Impact of papanicolaou smear upon physical and psychosocial aspects of women's health

Abstract

Objectives: To identify the impact of Pap smear upon physical and psychological and social aspects of women's
health.
Methodology: A purposive sample of (71) women. The data were collected through the utilization of the
developed questionnaire which consists of four major parts: 1. demographic 2.Physical domain 3. Psychological
domain 4. social domain and by means of interview technique with the women who were individually interviewed
in the Baghdad Teaching Hospital/ the Consultant Clinic, Teaching Laboratories/ Medical City, AL-Elwyiah
Maternity Hospital . The data collection process has been performed from April 17th, 2011 until the August 10th,
2011. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis procedures were employed for the data analysis.
Results: Most of women feel pain during the Pap smear procedure, Women commonly feel stressed, discomfort
and anxious from conducting Pap smear, most women did not have enough time to conduct the Pap smear and
busy with rather things. There is fear from conducting pap smear it is fear from a positive result, There are pap
smear influence on marital relationship
Recommendations: The study recommends that an intensive comprehensive, obligatory educational
programs(campaigns) are needed to improve awareness of the women about pap smear test and stress the
importance of regular smears as a preventative measure, Reducing fears and anxieties associated with a Pap
smear that can be alleviated with better information sharing about Pap smear procedure. Give each woman
written information on Pap smears; explain the purpose of the Pap smear, the instruments to be used, the
procedure, possible test results and follow up and the recommended frequency of Pap smears