Background: upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is the most preferable diagnostic examination for patients, Anxiety is one of the common problems and issues in the patients selected for surgery or invasive diagnostic and therapeutic methods. This study was aimed to investigate the effectiveness of behavioral intervention on Patient's anxiety and distress levels among upper gastroscopy patients in Benha University Hospital. Study design: This study experimental design (Pretest-Posttest study control group). Setting: The study was carried out in the endoscopy department at Benha University hospital in Benha city, Egypt. Subject: One hundred twenty patients alert mentally and willingness to participate in the study who were subjected for upper gastroscopy. The selected subjects were assigned to study and control groups (n= 60) in each group. Three tools for data collection: The 1st. tool consists of two parts: Part I: It was concerned with the socio-demographic characteristic of the studied subjects. Part II: clinical variables. 2nd. Tool: The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Scale (STAIYI) to measures the state and trait anxiety level. 3rd Tool: Endoscopy Concerns Scale to measure patient’s distress pre-procedure regarding a scope procedure. Results: The main findings of the study were: A majority of the control group had a severe distress and severe anxiety as compared with the study group post behavioral intervention had mild distress and mild level of anxiety. Therefore there was a positive association between total anxiety and total distress score within both the control and the study group post-intervention. Conclusion: The present study concluded that reduction of anxiety and distress level in the study group than the control group after behavioral intervention for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy patients. Recommendations: The nurses should be implement the behavioral intervention to reduce the anxiety and distress toward upper gastroscopy and enhance patient cooperate during the procedure |
