EPV1010 - Perceived stress and pain during breast mammography

EPV1010

Perceived stress and pain during breast mammography

I. Chaari ¹, A. Samet ^1,*, A. Wissal ¹, Y. Fourti ¹, F. Charfeddine ¹, L. Aribi ¹, N. Messedi ¹, J. Aloulou ¹

¹Psychiatric department “B”, , Hedi Chaker University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia

 

Introduction: Mammography is a key breast cancer screening tool. Pain during the procedure is frequent and may reduce adherence. Psychological stress could increase pain perception

Objectives: To assess the relationship between perceived stress and pain during mammography.

Methods: We conducted an online survey targeting the general female population in Tunisia via a sponsored Facebook campaign (December 2023–February 2024). They completed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and rated pain (1–10) during their most recent mammogram. Correlation and regression analyses were performed.

Results: A total of 278 women participated. The mean age of participants was 46 years (SD 8.9, range 20–84). The mean pain score was 5/10 (SD 2.8), with 34% of women reported severe pain (≥7/10). Higher PSS-10 scores correlated with greater pain (r = 0.34, p = 0.02). In regression, stress remained independently associated with pain (β = 0.28, p = 0.03), after adjustment for socio-demographic factors.

Conclusions: Perceived stress independently predicts higher pain during mammography. Integrating stress-management interventions into breast cancer screening programs may improve procedural tolerance and adherence.

 

Disclosure of Interest: None Declared