Psychological effects of recall after mammography: A cohort study based on the HADS questionnaire

Abstract

Introduction: This study assessed anxiety and depression scores based on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire, inpatients recalled after mammography. Methods: In this cohort study, women referred for mammography completed the HADS questionnaire. In 2019, 84 patients who required recall based on the results of their previous mammogram were selected and then completed the HADS questionnaire for the second stage. The HADS questionnaire was used to examine psychological problems. SPSS was used to analyze the collected data. Results: In this study, 86 women who were screened with mammography were evaluated. The mean age was 47.2±8.3 years. Based on the HADS questionnaire, the mean anxiety score before mammography was 10.2±4.8, and after the recall was 13.2±4.2, which was statistically significant (P<0.001). Also, the depression score in these patients before mammography was 10.7±3.8, and after the recall was 12.6±3.6 (P<0.001). Conclusion: Recalling patients after mammography can increase their anxiety and depression, which can decrease patients’ desire for follow-ups.