BACKGROUND:
Gynaecological examinations play a crucial role in women’s reproductive healthcare by enabling early diagnosis and management of conditions such as infections and menstrual disorders. Despite their importance, many women face emotional discomfort and anxiety during such examinations, often due to cultural stigma, fear of judgment, privacy concerns, and previous negative experiences.

OBJECTIVES:
To assess women’s apprehensions, expectations, and experiences related to gynaecological examinations using the Gynoscope tool, and to identify areas for improvement in clinical practice.

METHODS:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2023 and November 2024 at the Gynaecology Outpatient Department of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhopal. A total of 400 women aged 18 years and above were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a validated, copyrighted tool—Gynoscope—which includes a five-point Likert scale evaluating apprehension, expectation, and experience domains. Sociodemographic information was also gathered. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests (significance level p<0.05) via IBM SPSS Statistics version 26. Ethical approval was obtained.

RESULTS:
Most participants (46.4%) were aged 18–28 years, and 74.6% were married. Common presenting complaints included genito-urinary infections (32.1%) and menstrual irregularities (31.3%). Apprehension levels were moderate in 49.5% and high in 22.5% of participants, primarily due to fears of pain, judgment, and confidentiality breaches. Preferences included female doctors and private, hygienic settings. While 44.0% reported positive experiences, limited communication, presence of multiple observers, and lack of emotional support were common concerns. Demographics showed no significant association with experience, highlighting the importance of provider conduct and examination environment.

CONCLUSIONS:
Study highlights, women’s discomfort during gynaecological exams stems from fear and lack of empathy. Prioritising respectful communication, privacy, and emotional support can foster trust and make care more compassionate and patient-centred.

KEY MESSAGE:
Addressing women’s apprehensions through respectful communication, privacy safeguards, and gender-sensitive practices can enhance the quality and acceptability of gynaecological care. Poster session 4 (Group B)