G M Humphris1, R S Ireland, E A Field. 1. Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Health Sciences, Whelan Building, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GB, UK. cpsy1@liverpool.ac.uk
Abstract
AIM: To determine the immediate influence of a validated patient information leaflet (PIL) on patient anxiety and intention to have a screen for oral cancer in primary care attenders. PARTICIPANTS: Patients (n=800) attending their primary health care provider. SETTING:Fourteen general practices (eight dental and six medical) in the northwest of England. DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial with two arms: leaflets provided in information group, leaflet was absent in control group. MEASURES: Single item ratings of (1) intention to have an oral cancer screen, and (2) anxiety towards a screen, (3) perceived risk of oral cancer. Knowledge of oral cancer, self-reported dental service attendance history and demographic variables were also collected. RESULTS:Patients who had read the oral cancer PIL demonstrated an increase in their intention to have a screen (Mann Whitney U test: z=-3.67, P<0.001) and reduced anxiety (Mann Whitney U test: z=-2.07, P<0.05). Subjective risk was not elevated by the extra information. Intention to have a screen was predicted by knowledge level and anxiety (odds ratios: 1.10 and 0.70 respectively, both P's<0.001). CONCLUSION: The influence of an information leaflet appeared to have a positive effect on anxiety level and intentions to agree to receive an oral cancer screen.
RCT Entities:
AIM: To determine the immediate influence of a validated patient information leaflet (PIL) on patientanxiety and intention to have a screen for oral cancer in primary care attenders. PARTICIPANTS: Patients (n=800) attending their primary health care provider. SETTING: Fourteen general practices (eight dental and six medical) in the northwest of England. DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial with two arms: leaflets provided in information group, leaflet was absent in control group. MEASURES: Single item ratings of (1) intention to have an oral cancer screen, and (2) anxiety towards a screen, (3) perceived risk of oral cancer. Knowledge of oral cancer, self-reported dental service attendance history and demographic variables were also collected. RESULTS:Patients who had read the oral cancer PIL demonstrated an increase in their intention to have a screen (Mann Whitney U test: z=-3.67, P<0.001) and reduced anxiety (Mann Whitney U test: z=-2.07, P<0.05). Subjective risk was not elevated by the extra information. Intention to have a screen was predicted by knowledge level and anxiety (odds ratios: 1.10 and 0.70 respectively, both P's<0.001). CONCLUSION: The influence of an information leaflet appeared to have a positive effect on anxiety level and intentions to agree to receive an oral cancer screen.
Authors: Heather M Davey; Jacqueline Lim; Phyllis N Butow; Alexandra L Barratt; Nehmat Houssami; Roberta Higginson Journal: Health Expect Date: 2003-12 Impact factor: 3.377