COPING STRATEGIES: PREDICTORS OF PAIN CATASTROPHIZING AMONG WOMEN WITH DYSPAREUNIA

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of pain catastrophizing among women with dyspareunia in Sari city on winter 2011. Methods: In a population-based cross sectional study of 43 women with dyspareunia aged between 20 to 57 years (Mean=32.6, SD=7.9) recruited from public sector gynecology clinics, using purposive non-random sampling. Subjects were asked to complete the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WOCQ) and The Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). In addition, demographics data were collected. Results: There was positive correlation between Pain catastrophizing and dyspareunia (p < 0.05). Also no significant association was found among coping strategies and dyspareunia (p > 0.05). Conclusion: This study provided critical information for professionals and gynecologists about dyspareunia and associated psychological factors for example coping strategies and pain catastrophizing that may effect on the sexual interactions. It is important to notice the possible impressions of cultural and local characteristics on results in this study.