Breast Pain and Service Satisfaction during Digital Mammography
Cholatip Wiratkapun MD*, Panuwat Lertsithichai MD, MSc**, Bussanee Wibulpolprasert MD*, Montira Leelaswattanakul BSc*, Jantarika Detakarat BSc*, Pannee Jungjai BSc*
Affiliation : * Department of Radiology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University ** Department of Surgery, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University
Objectives : To determine the frequency and predisposing factors of breast pain felt during digital mammo-
graphy, and factors associated with service satisfaction.
Materials and Methods : A questionnaire was distributed to 1250 women immediately after their mammography.
The outcomes assessed were a five-point scale of breast pain and rating of the satisfaction with the mammo-
graphy service. Several factors potentially associated with breast pain and satisfaction were obtained from
the questionnaire and analyzed. Multiple cumulative logit regression was used to identify independent,
significant factors.
Results : Breast pain was found to be absent in 22% of patients, slight in 50%, moderate in 23% and substan-
tial or severe in only 4%. Significant factors associated with breast pain during mammography included
higher educational level, having no children, having had prior mammography, impolite and rough radio-
grapher and poorly performed mammography. Factors associated with satisfaction with the mammography
service included older age, polite and gentle radiographer and well-performed mammography.
Conclusion : Radiographer delivery of the mammography service seemed to be the most important, modifiable
reason for breast pain during mammography and dissatisfaction with the mammography service.
Keywords : Digital mammography, Breast pain, Breast discomfort, Service satisfaction
