Prevalence and Predicting Factors for Anxiety in Thai Women Undergoing Colposcopy

Over the past 50 years, the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer has decreased by 75 percent in developed countries because of the availability of screening program for cervical precancer and human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination. In developing countries, however, cervical cancer remains the second most common type of cancer and cause of cancer death in women. This is most likely due to the lack of effective screening program for precancer (Quinn et al., 1999; Willoughby et al., 2006). Cervical cytology through the use of Papanicolaou (Pap) smear has been the mainstay for cervical cancer screening. With this technique, abnormal dysplatic cells can be detected early and proper management can be made before the dysplasia developing into cancer. Approximately 6-7% of all Pap smear are reported as abnormal. As a result, 4-5% of women who have Pap smear need further diagnostic evaluation. Colposcopy (visualization of the cervix through magnifying binocular) with directed cervical