Objective: To determine whether an educational brochure about abnormal Papanicolaou smears could reduce psychological distress and concerns about cancer and future health, and increase knowledge about dysplasia and the investigation, treatment, and recommended follow-up.
Methods: One hundred twenty-five consecutive women with dysplasia on a Papanicolaou smear referred to a colposcopy clinic for their first examination were alternately assigned to receive a mailed educational brochure the same day or to receive no brochure. At the colposcopy clinic, consenting women were given the Brief Symptom Inventory, specific questions about feelings regarding an abnormal smear, and a knowledge quiz about dysplasia, colposcopy, and the recommended follow-up.
Results: Women who received the brochure were significantly less distressed on the Brief Symptom Inventory and were less anxious about the abnormal Papanicolaou smear, the fear of cancer, and their future health than were women not receiving the brochure. Study women also performed significantly better on knowledge questions about dysplasia, colposcopy, and the recommended follow-up.
Conclusion: Given the low cost, ease of delivery, and usefulness of educational brochures in reducing psychological distress and increasing knowledge specific to the condition, an educational brochure should routinely accompany or immediately follow notification about an abnormal Papanicolaou smear.