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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Linda Sharp
BackgroundAlthough colposcopy is the leading follow-up option for women with abnormal cervical cytology, little is known about its psychological consequences.ObjectivesWe performed a systematic review to examine: (1) what, if any, are the adverse psychological outcomes following colposcopy and related procedures; (2) what are the predictors of adverse psychological outcomes post-colposcopy; and (3) what happens to these outcomes over time.Search strategyFive electronic databases (PubMed, PsychINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus) were searched for studies published in English between January 1986 and February 2014.Selection criteriaEligible studies assessed psychological wellbeing at one or more time-points post-colposcopy.Data collection and analysisTwo reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts. Full texts of potentially eligible papers were reviewed. Data were abstracted from, and a quality appraisal performed of, eligible papers.Main resultsTwenty-three papers reporting 16 studies were eligible. Colposcopy and related procedures can lead to adverse psychological outcomes, particularly anxiety. Ten studies investigated predictors of adverse psychological outcomes; management type and treatment had no impact on this. Seven studies investigated temporal trends in psychological outcomes post-colposcopy; findings were mixed, especially in relation to anxiety and distress. Studies were methodologically heterogeneous.ConclusionsFollow-up investigations and procedures for abnormal cervical cytology can cause adverse psychological outcomes among women. However, little is known about the predictors of these outcomes or how long they persist. There is a need for a more standardised approach to the examination of the psychological impact of colposcopy, especially longer-term outcomes.Tweetable abstractFollow-up investigations for abnormal cervical cytology can cause adverse psychological outcome among women.Tweetable abstract Follow-up investigations for abnormal cervical cytology can cause adverse psychological outcome among women.
Author(s): O'Connor M, Gallagher P, Waller J, Martin CM, O'Leary JJ, Sharp L, Irish Cervical Screening Research Consortium
Publication type: Review
Publication status: Published
Journal: BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Year: 2016
Volume: 123
Issue: 1
Pages: 24-38
Print publication date: 01/01/2016
Online publication date: 22/06/2015
Acceptance date: 02/04/2015
ISSN (print): 1470-0328
ISSN (electronic): 1471-0528
Publisher: WILEY-BLACKWELL
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.13462
DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.13462
