Author/Authors :
Woźniewicz, Agnieszka Department of Geriatrics - Faculty of Health Sciences - Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz - Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland , Szynkiewicz, Ewa Department of Nursing in Internal Diseases - Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz - Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland , Pałgan, Krzysztof Chair and Clinic of Allergology - Clinical Immunology and Internal Diseases - University Hospital No. 2, Bydgoszcz, Poland , Graczyk, Małgorzata Chair and Clinic of Allergology - Clinical Immunology and Internal Diseases - University Hospital No. 2, Bydgoszcz, Poland , Dowbór-Dzwonka, Aneta Department of Nursing in Internal Diseases - Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz - Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland , Bartuzi, Zbigniew Chair and Clinic of Allergology - Clinical Immunology and Internal Diseases - University Hospital No. 2, Bydgoszcz, Poland
Abstract :
Introduction
The level of fear of hymenoptera associated with stinging or envenomation may depend on situational factors and on trait anxiety characteristic of each patient.
Aim
To assess the relationship between fear of stinging insects on the one hand and state anxiety and trait anxiety on the other in a group of patients with hymenoptera venom allergy.
Material and methods
The study was conducted by the Department of Allergy, Clinical Immunology and Internal Diseases, Dr J. Biziel University Hospital No. 2 in Bydgoszcz, Poland. A total of 114 patients (71 women (63%) and 43 men (37%)) with hymenoptera venom allergy undergoing immunotherapy participated in the study. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and a dedicated scale developed by the authors for this study were used.
Results
State anxiety was found to significantly (p < 0.05) correlate with anxiety in the present moment (R = 0.247), in a situation of real danger (appearance of an insect) (R = 0.223) and during the spring and summer seasons (R = 0.278). Trait anxiety was found to significantly (p < 0.05) correlate with anxiety before immunotherapy (R = 0.261), in the present moment (R = 0.257), in a situation of real danger (appearance of an insect) (R = 0.254), and after an insect sting (R = 0.236). These were also weak correlations. The correlation between trait anxiety and anxiety during the spring and summer seasons was moderate (R = 0.331).
Conclusions
The levels of trait and state anxiety are associated with the magnitude of the fear of the danger. Respondents showed a higher level of anxiety in a situation of danger and after an insect sting.
