Pain, anxiety, and comfort among women undergoing medical termination

This study aimed to determine pre- and post-procedural anxiety, intra- and post-procedural pain, and post-procedural comfort among women undergoing medical termination.

This descriptive correlational study included 55 women who underwent medical termination. Data were collected between April and December 2024 using a Personal Information Form, the Visual Analog Scale, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Perianesthesia Comfort Scale.

The mean Visual Analog Scale score was 8.96±1.08 during the procedure and 4.81±1.59 after the procedure, with the difference being statistically significant (p<0.05). The mean pre-procedural Trait Anxiety Inventory score was 47.34±4.99. The mean pre-procedural State Anxiety Inventory score was 37.85±3.97, whereas the mean post-procedural State Anxiety Inventory score was 36.18±3.42, indicating mild anxiety. The difference between the pre- and post-procedural State Anxiety Inventory scores was statistically significant. The mean post-procedural Perianesthesia Comfort Scale score was 92.52±10.41. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that pain, anxiety, indication for termination, and the need for psychological support collectively explained 34% of the variance in comfort.

Women undergoing medical termination experienced anxiety both before and after the procedure, severe intra-procedural pain, and moderate post-procedural pain. Pain, anxiety, termination indication, and need for psychological support significantly predicted post-procedural comfort. Medical termination care should adopt a holistic approach integrating effective pain and anxiety management to improve women's comfort.