Brief Mindfulness Video to Reduce Pelvic Exam-Related Anxiety and Pain [A89]. (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Collins, Marielle H.; Kho, Kimberly A.; Evans, Monty H.; Trombello, Joseph M.; Carmody, Thomas; Greer, Tracy L.
• Is Part Of: Obstetrics and gynecology. Volume 139(2022)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 26S
• Page End: 27S
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; 618
• DOI: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000826684.46797.e7
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-7844

Abstract

Abstract : INTRODUCTION: Purpose: Pelvic examinations frequently cause anxiety and discomfort for women, which may lead to avoidance of medical appointments. This study evaluated the efficacy of a brief mindful movement video in reducing pelvic exam anxiety and pain. METHODS: Women (n=90) scheduled for pelvic examination were recruited at an outpatient gynecology clinic and randomized to mindfulness intervention (5-minute mindful movement video [n=44]) or control (educative materials [n=46]) groups. Upon arrival, women completed baseline measurements of anxiety and pain (visual analogue scale [VAS]). They then completed group specific activities and rated anxiety prior to pelvic exam. After exam, participants rated exam pain, post-exam anxiety, and completed questionnaires assessing intervention acceptability. RESULTS: Fifty-two percent of women who presented for pelvic examination reported clinically significant anxiety (i.e., VAS >34). Analysis of covariance controlling for baseline anxiety found clinically anxious individuals who received the intervention reported significantly lower anxiety before pelvic examination ( P =<.001, partial η2=.232) and after ( P =.006, partial η2=.165) compared to control. Analysis of covariance controlling for baseline pain found individuals who received the intervention rated pelvic examination as significantly less painful ( P =< .01, partial η2=.075) compared to control. Intervention participants reported high interest, acceptability, and helpfulness of the mindful movement video. CONCLUSION: A 5-minute mindful movement video viewed prior to pelvic examination significantly lowered anxiety for individuals with clinically significant anxiety and reduced perceived painfulness of pelvic examination. This study demonstrates the ability to integrate a brief mindfulness intervention into the flow of a medical clinic and reduce pelvic exam anxiety and pain.