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Vol 38, (3) 172-176

Fear of needles - Nature and prevalence in general practice

Simone Wright BS, is a medical student, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Logan, Queensland.

Michael Yelland MBBS, PhD, FRACGP, FAFMM, GradDipMuscMed, is Associate Professor of Primary Health Care, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Logan, Queensland.

Kathy Heathcote MPH, GradDipAppEpi, is Research Officer, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Logan, Queensland.

Shu-Kay Ng BSc, MScSt, PhD, is Senior Lecturer in Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Logan, Queensland.

Garfield Wright MBA, BSc, is a medical student, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Logan, Queensland.

BACKGROUND The extent to which a fear of needles influences health decisions remains largely unexplored. This study investigated the prevalence of fear of needles in a southeast Queensland community, described associated symptoms, and highlighted health care avoidance tendencies of affected individuals.

METHODS One hundred and seventy-seven participants attending an outer urban general practice responded to a questionnaire on fear of needles, symptoms associated with needles and its influence on their use of medical care.

RESULTS Twenty-two percent of participants reported a fear of needles. Affected participants were more likely than participants with no fear to report vasovagal symptoms, have had a previous traumatic needle experience (46.2 vs. 16.4%, p<0.001) and avoid medical treatment involving needles (20.5 vs. 2.3%, p<0.001).

DISCUSSION Fear of needles is common and is associated with health care avoidance. Health professionals could better identify and manage patients who have a fear of needles by recognising associated vasovagal symptoms and past traumatic experiences.

Last Modified: 3 March 2009
Authorised By: Australian Family Physician