Genital warts: a study of patient anxiety and information needs

Infection with genital warts is one of the most commonly seen infections in genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics. A study of 50 women with a first-time diagnosis of genital warts was undertaken to determine the patients' levels of knowledge and anxiety in relation to their diagnosis. The findings revealed that 42 (84%) of these women were aware of their possible diagnosis before attending the clinic. Just over a half of them received this information from their GPs. Eight (35%) patients lacked and fundamental knowledge about the mode of transmission of genital warts and the need for prophylactic use of condoms. Seventeen (74%) of the women did not know or were unsure about the methods of treatment. High levels of anxiety were reported by the patients on their first clinic attendance. To increase knowledge and lessen anxiety in this client group, the author recommends reciprocal liaison between GPs, their practice nurses and GUM clinics.