Information and emotional support for women with abnormal pap test results

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to develop and to evaluate a guide to communicate the presence and treatment of Papanicolaou alterations that suggest dysplasia or cervical cancer. Method: A sample of 97 women with abnormal smear test referred to diagnosis and treatment at a third level hospital were interviewed pre and post an informative session systematized in the proposed guide, to compare the degree of information about their condition and treatment and their perception of emotional support from health professionals. Results: The communication guide were developed according evidence based treatment model. We documented a pre-post clinical and statistical difference in the level of information about their condition and treatment (3.97 + 3.15 vs. 8.15 + 2.65; t= -7.27, df= 53, p≤.0001), and a tendency of increment in the percentage of patients that perceived emotional support from health professionals (62.3% vs. 100%; chi square=31.18, df=1, p=.07). Conclusions: The guide presented here constitutes a useful material to improve communication of these conditions and its treatment among Hispanic women with low level of education.