The effect of health awareness promotion with stress management-based consultation on anxiety and reproductive and sexual self-care in women with human papillomavirus: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Sheida Khezerzadeh, Jameileh Malakouti, Esmat Mehrabi, Roghaiyeh Nourizadeh, Rasoul HeshmatiBACKGROUND:
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that, due to concerns about the risk of cervical cancer, is often associated with psychological disorders such as anxiety and stress. This study aimed to examine the effect of health awareness counseling with a stress management approach on anxiety and reproductive and sexual self-care in women with HPV.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on women attending the oncology clinic at Al-Zahra Hospital (a specialized referral center in, Tabriz, Iran) from February to May 2024. Participants were randomly allocated to intervention and control groups via stratified block randomization (4- and 6-blocks) utilizing RAS software, categorized by low-risk and high-risk HPV types at a 1:1 ratio. Demographic-obstetric form, reproductive, and sexual self-care questionnaires were completed for both groups before the intervention. The intervention group received six counseling sessions. Four weeks after the intervention, questionnaires, including the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory and reproductive self-care assessments, were completed through interviews. ANCOVA statistical analysis was used to compare the mean scores between the two groups, adjusting for baseline scores.
RESULTS:
The results of this study indicated that compared to the control group and after counseling, the average overall score of anxiety [AMD, adjusted mean difference: −14.42, 95% CI: −17.54 to − 11.30,
CONCLUSION:
It is recommended providing educational websites, and holding group discussions or counseling session in-person or online about HPV in health care centers.