Hong Kong Med J 2007;13(Suppl 2):S13-5
Hong Kong Chinese women’s responses to an abnormal cervical smear result
SF Twinn, S Lo
Nethersole School of Nursing The Chinese
University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New
Territories, Hong Kong
1. Hong Kong Chinese women’s responses to and experiences of an abnormal smear are similar to those of women from other cultures.
2. Women referred for colposcopy or cytological surveillance experienced feelings of uncertainty and anxiety in part influenced by concerns about a diagnosis of cervical cancer.
3. The significance of information giving as a strategy for reducing anxiety is clearly demonstrated. Information giving, however, should be targeted at the specific needs of individual women.
4. Women need to be notified of the result of their abnormal smear in a way that does not contribute to their anxiety. Written notification, whether the smear is normal or abnormal appears to be the most appropriate method.
5. Women place significant trust in the practitioner to explain their abnormal result. Thus, practitioners must be skilled at information giving.
2. Women referred for colposcopy or cytological surveillance experienced feelings of uncertainty and anxiety in part influenced by concerns about a diagnosis of cervical cancer.
3. The significance of information giving as a strategy for reducing anxiety is clearly demonstrated. Information giving, however, should be targeted at the specific needs of individual women.
4. Women need to be notified of the result of their abnormal smear in a way that does not contribute to their anxiety. Written notification, whether the smear is normal or abnormal appears to be the most appropriate method.
5. Women place significant trust in the practitioner to explain their abnormal result. Thus, practitioners must be skilled at information giving.