Análisis de la influencia de la información sobre la ansiedad y el dolor en la mamografía

Abstract

ObjectivesTo analyze the effect of an information intervention (extended information), instead of common practice (basic information) on women undergoing a mammogram, on pain and anxiety (before and after mammogram). Patients and methodsA controlled clinical trial was performed, with random assignment to a control group (basic information) and an intervention group (extended information) of women undergoing a mammogram in Radiology Unit. The two main variables studied were pain after mammogram (Analog Visual Scale from 1 to 10) and level of anxiety before and after the mammogram (the Spielberger State Trait Anxiety Inventory). Other variables were analyzed, such as the service requesting, family background of breast cancer, education, breast density, and whether the women were undergoing mammography for the first time. ResultsNo significant differences between women receiving more detailed information and those receiving general information were found in anxiety of pain levels. However, pre-mammogram anxiety levels were significantly decreased after the mammogram in the intervention group (p<.05). Significant differences in pain levels were found in women undergoing a first mammogram in the intervention group (5 vs 2.9, p<0.05). ConclusionsIn the intervention group, post-mammogram anxiety levels were lower than pre-mammogram levels, while pain levels were lower in women undergoing a first mammogram.