The Relationship Between Gynecological Examination Anxiety, Genital Self‐Image, and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress of Women

Abstract

Background Gynecological examination anxiety can be influenced by women’s mental state and genital self‐image. This study aimed to examine the relationship between gynecological examination anxiety, genital self‐image, and depression, anxiety, and stress in women. Methods This descriptive and correlational study included 281 women reached through social media. Data were collected using a personal information form, the female genital self‐image scale (FGSIS), the gynecological examination anxiety scale, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale‐21. Results The mean age of the women was 42.18 ± 11.57. It was found that 63% of the women were university graduates, 29.5% had chronic diseases, 13.5% had gynecological diseases, 59.1% did not have regular gynecological examinations, and 46.3% had undergone a gynecological examination in the last year. The prevalence rates for severe and very severe depression, anxiety, and stress were 7.5%, 15.7%, and 6.4%, respectively. This study found a low‐level negative correlation between genital self‐image and gynecological examination anxiety (r = −0.141, p  < 0.05). According to the multiple linear regression analysis, previous negative experiences during gynecological examinations were associated with higher anxiety (β = 0.129, p = 0.033), whereas higher female genital self‐image was associated with lower anxiety (β = −0.140, p = 0.027). Conclusion Previous negative experiences with gynecological examinations can increase gynecological examination anxiety, while a more positive genital self‐image can play a protective role in reducing anxiety.