Stress Ball Application on Anxiety and Pain During Pap Smear Test

A negative pelvic examination experience may deter women from returning for follow-up tests, thus reducing the intended benefit of gynecological screening. For all these reasons, women's experiences with pelvic examinations and related conditions should be taken into account by healthcare services. Although the pelvic examination is relatively brief, cognitive-behavioral interventions that focus or distract the patient's attention have been shown to be effective in reducing pain and anxiety during brief medical interventions. Reducing pain and anxiety during medical procedures is an important factor in patient satisfaction. Although there are many methods to reduce stress, it is thought that the inexpensive and easily accessible anti-stress ball can be used as a distraction method. A study has determined that a stress ball reduces anxiety and pain during angiography. No studies were found in the literature examining the effects of an anti-stress ball on anxiety and pain during a pelvic examination.