Anxiety and Depression in Thai Women with Abnormal Cervical Cytology who Attended Colposcopic Unit in Thammasat University Hospital

Abstract

Background: Colposcopy is the standard investigation for women with abnormal cervical cytology. Waiting time<br />to colposcopy could impact to psychological distress. Data about anxiety and depression in eastern countries patients<br />were limited. Aim of this investigation was to evaluate anxiety and depression status in Thai women who were waiting<br />for colposcopy compared to women who attended gynecology clinic for cervical cancer screening. Materials and<br />methods: This study was conducted at the outpatient gynecology clinic of Thammasat University Hospital between<br />January 2017 to March 2018. A Total of 200 women were recruited into the study. The cases were divided into the study<br />and control group. Study group consisted of one hundred women with abnormal cervical cytology referred to colposcopy.<br />One hundred of women who attended gynecology clinic for cervical cancer screening was classified as control group.<br />The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to determine anxiety in the participants. Results: Total<br />of 200 women who met criteria of the study were recruited. The mean ages of both groups were 40 years old. Both<br />groups were significantly different when it came to their education, 30 and 59 percent of study and control group had<br />education level more than bachelor (p=0.003). The prevalence of anxiety was statistically significantly higher in study<br />group than the control group (15% and 6%, respectively). There was only one case of depression in study. Waiting time<br />and abnormal cervical cytology severity did not affected to anxiety level. Conclusions: Colposcopy and appointment<br />caused anxiety. However anxiety was not associated with waiting time to colposcopy or Pap result's severity.