Pain and Psychological Characteristics in Women Waiting for Gynaecological Surgery

Objective: Pain is frequently a complaint prior to gynaecological surgery. Psychological factors are also known to influence the experience of pain. The primary objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of pain and the relationship between psychological factors and pain in women awaiting gynaecological surgery. Methods: Four hundred twenty-nine women in a tertiary care centre in southeastern Ontario were included in this cross-sectional analysis, which was embedded in a larger prospective study. Pain was assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory, anxiety using the State Trait Anxiety Inventory, depressive symptoms using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, somatization using the Seven Symptom Screening Test, and catastrophizing with an abbreviated coping strategies questionnaire. Results: Eighteen percent of women reported high anxiety, 37% reported depressive symptoms, 47% had two or more symptoms of somatization, and 40% reported elevated pain catastrophizing. Approximately one third reported moderate to severe pain intensity and interference. Of those reporting pain, 81% believed their pain was due to their primary condition. Depressive symptoms, somatization, and catastrophizing were associated with elevated pain intensity and interference. Conclusion: The responses suggest a substantial burden of pain, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in women awaiting gynaecological surgery. Further research is needed to assess the management of these symptoms and their impact on health care resources and the well-being of women in this setting.