The effects of providing pre-gastrointestinal endoscopy written educational material on patients' anxiety: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Endoscopy is a frequently applied operation in health institutions which may cause anxiety in patients.

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the effects of written educational material related to the endoscopy procedure on the anxiety level of the patient before gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Design: A randomised controlled trial design with two groups: case and control groups.

Participants: 140 patients assigned randomly who applied for gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Intervention: the control group in our study consisted of 70 people who were briefly informed by the relevant unit about pre-endoscopy preparation. The case group consisted of 70 people who were also given brief information about the pre-endoscopy preparation by the relevant unit. Only the case group were also given written educational material and told orally by the researcher about the content.

Measurements: for the collection of the data, a questionnaire form and Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were used.

Results: A significant difference in the average state anxiety scores was found between the case and the control group (p<0.05). An important difference was found in the average state anxiety scores between the case and the control group who had not undergone endoscopy before our study (p<0.05).

Conclusions: Use of written material including detailed information to inform the patient before endoscopy was useful in lessening their anxiety level. Health professionals should evaluate the anxiety level of patients before endoscopy and educational material should be given to them to read.