Influence of Gynecologic Examination Anxiety on Application Period to Gynecology Clinics

Objective: This research was conducted as correlational descriptive study in order to determine the effect of gynecological examination anxiety experienced by women to application period of gynecology clinics.Method: This research was held at Annex-2 campus of Adıyaman University Training and Research Hospital. The sample of the study consisted of 250 women who admitted to the hospital and had gynecological examinations between November 1, 2011 and March 30, 2012. In data collection, Personal Information Form and Situational Anxiety Scale were used. The obtained data was evaluated by using mean, standard deviation, percentage, t-test, ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey test. Results: In research, it is found that 26% of the women were admitted to the gynecological because of vaginal secretion, 20.8% obstetric reasons, 19.2% bleeding. Women’s mean Situational Anxiety Scale score after gynecologic examination was found to be 39,71±4,96 and it was found that the women had mild anxiety. Statistically significant difference was found between women’s mean score of Situational Anxiety Scale, education and income levels (p<0,001). It was determined that the period between 55,6% of women’s complain situation and application of gynecology outpatient clinic is more than 7 days and these women had higher levels of anxiety (p<0,001). 24% of women stated that they had gynecological examination for the first time, 73.6% were ashamed during examination, 61.6% experienced stress and 74.8% had discomfort because of their intimate organ was opened. Conclusion: The women’s anxiety of gynecological examination varies according to the cause of application to gynecology clinic and it affects application time.