ABSTRACT
Study Objective
Transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS) is usually the first approach for diagnosis of reproductive
tract complaints in all adolescents. However, there are instances when transrectal
ultrasound (TRUS) is more feasible. Although TRUS is considered more invasive and
distressing, evidence-based data are lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate
the level of anxiety in adolescents subjected to TAUS and TRUS and in their caregivers.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, data were prospectively gathered using 2 instruments:
the adult or child version of the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI or STAIC)
and a self-developed survey.
Results
TAUS and TRUS are connected with high-level anxiety in patients and moderate anxiety
in caregivers, as measured by the STAI/STAIC questionnaires. TRUS-related anxiety,
fear, discomfort, and pain in adolescents are significantly higher compared with TAUS.
The TRUS-related anxiety of caregivers, as well as the parent-estimated fear, discomfort,
and pain of adolescents, is significantly higher compared with TAUS. Anticipated pain
connected to TRUS is significantly higher than the post-exam, actually experienced
pain. Pain and shame are the main reasons for adolescent anxiety connected with TRUS, whereas shame and unknown experience contribute to TAUS-related anxiety.
Conclusion
Given the high level of anxiety associated with both exams, additional support should
be provided to patients scheduled for any pelvic ultrasound exam. Given the even higher
level of adolescent anxiety related to TRUS, specialists should be encouraged to train
in TAUS and make efforts to begin with this approach. Because increased caregiver
anxiety could adversely affect a child's reactions, anxiety-reducing interventions
should be oriented toward the caregivers as well as the patients.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 08, 2023
Accepted:
January 30,
2023
Received in revised form:
January 19,
2023
Received:
August 18,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Journal Pre-ProofFootnotes
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest.
Identification
Copyright
© 2023 North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
