LAUSR

If one is concerned about VEassociated pain and wishes to know whether such pain may cause FOC, simple and straightforward inquiries may be better: (i) whether VE is painful compared with ultrasound, and (ii) whether painful VE is the main reason for FOC. Indeed, even in measuring FOC, some researchers suggested that a single question, ‘Are you afraid about the birth?’ may better illustrate FOC than WDEQ.3 Let us assume a study attempting to determine which, rectal examination (digital or speculum) or ultrasound, is painful or distressing for patients with prostate hypertrophy. They would immediately answer, ‘rectal examination’, thus scores comprehensively measuring fear of prostate examination may not be required. Usman et al. criticised the previous researchers’ use of simpler studyspecific measurements. In every medical field, systematic, wellorganised, and preferably uniform measurement is useful, which enables comparison among various data. However, WDEQ, being a tool to comprehensively measure FOC, may not be suitable to evaluate a specific issue, such as VE versus ultrasound. Shigeki Matsubara Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan Email: [email protected]