The link between the perception of body privacy and situational anxiety: a study of women's attitudes toward gynecological examinations

Abstract

Background: A gynecological examination is a crucial component of gynecological care. Many women undergoing examinations may experience anxiety, particularly when insufficient precautions are taken to ensure bodily privacy. Objective: This study aimed to assess women's perspectives on bodily privacy during gynecological examinations and to investigate the correlation between body privacy and anxiety levels. Methods: A single-center cross-sectional study was conducted, enrolling 270 women who underwent gynecological examinations. Three self-report measures were utilized to assess attitudes, perceptions of bodily privacy, and anxiety after examination. Results: The findings revealed that 74.1% of women reported feelings of shame and embarrassment, and nearly 60% experienced stress. A strong positive correlation was observed between privacy scores and anxiety (r = 0.660, 95% CI: 0.566−0.738, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis indicated that five variables explained 44.7% of the variance in anxiety (R²adj = 0.447, p < 0.001), with privacy being the sole variable demonstrating a significant association (β = 0.649, 95% CI:0.368−0.489, p < 0.001). Conclusions: These results suggest that, from a woman's perspective, the high importance placed on bodily privacy contributes to increased anxiety during gynecological examinations. Therefore, it is paramount to prioritize patients' needs and expectations. Furthermore, educational programs and the implementation of measures, such as training caregivers to increase ethical sensitivity regarding patient privacy, could prove highly beneficial.