Analysis of an intervention to reduce parental anxiety prior to voiding cystourethrogram

Abstract Purpose The voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) is a common imaging test in pediatric urology that can be associated with anxiety in the child and parent. We hypothesized that education by mailed brochure would decrease pre-procedure parental anxiety. Methods Families of children scheduled for VCUG were randomized into an experimental group that was mailed an educational brochure about the VCUG and a control group. Immediately prior to the procedure, parental anxiety was assessed with the self-administered State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The parent repeated the STAI at home after the VCUG and answered brief questions about educational resources used to prepare for the VUCG. Results We enrolled 105 families (47 experimental, 58 control). Parental state anxiety was higher before the procedure than after the procedure ( p