Patient anxiety during gynecologic examinations. Behavioral indicators

To identify behaviors that indicate anxiety during a gynecologic examination.

Five hundred twenty-two women visiting a private obstetrician/gynecologist's office completed the A-State scale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and specific questions about their first pelvic examination and experiences with health practitioners performing subsequent gynecologic examinations. In addition, the hand placement a woman exhibited as the speculum was inserted was recorded, as were the reasons for her visit, reports of any symptoms, performance of any special procedures (e.g., colposcopy) and whether the pelvic examination was her first.

Five behaviors observed during speculum insertion--holding hands/eyes covered or shut, hands on shoulders, hands covering pelvis, hands on legs, hands holding table--indicated increased anxiety. Together these behaviors were exhibited by one of every four patients and were found to be associated with high levels of anxiety. Greater anxiety was related to colposcopy, a less positive first pelvic examination experience, overall less positive experiences with examiners and performance of the first gynecologic examination at the present visit.

Easily recognizable behaviors reflecting high anxiety in gynecologic patients were identified. Upon recognizing these behaviors, examiners can take necessary measures to reduce patient anxiety and prevent delays in and avoidance of gynecologic examinations.