Dataset Information

Distinct Illness Representation Profiles Are Associated With Anxiety in Women Testing Positive for Human Papillomavirus.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Testing positive for human papillomavirus (HPV) at cervical cancer screening has been associated with heightened anxiety. To date, the cognitive determinants of heightened anxiety remain unclear, making it difficult to design effective interventions.

Purpose

This study investigated latent illness representation profiles in women testing positive for HPV with no abnormal cells (normal cytology) and explored associations between these profiles and anxiety.

Methods

Women aged 24-66 (n = 646) who had tested HPV-positive with normal cytology at routine HPV primary screening in England completed a cross-sectional survey shortly after receiving their result.