Background:The majority of women described hysterosalpingography (HSG) as a painful procedure. There is little information on the features of HSG-associated pain and factors that predispose to increased pain experience.

Objectives:This study investigated preprocedure psychological state and related demographic factors as predictors of pain perception in women undergoing HSG.

Methods:The sample included 99 women selected through consecutive sampling at the Radiology Department, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. The study utilized a cross-sectional survey design to collect data using Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Zung Self-rating Depression Scale, and Visual Analog Scale for the perception of pain and state anxiety.

Results:The women with lower state anxiety reported significantly lower pain perception (X̅ = 6.69) than the women with high anxiety (X̅ = 7.93). Trait anxiety, state anxiety, and depression jointly predicted pain perception among the women undergoing HSG, with R2 = 0.117, F (3,95) = 6.797; P < 0.001. They collectively accounted for about 17.7% variance in pain perception.

Conclusion:Patients being prepared for the HSG procedure can be educated on concerns related to anxiety and coping strategies and be provided with anxiolytics or other medication as clinically indicated.