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Published on: January 27, 2010
Predictors of preoperative anxiety in children
S R Wollin1, J L Plummer, H Owen
1Department of Anaesthesia, Flinders Medical Centre, The Flinders University and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia.
Insights
Anxiety in children undergoing anesthesia is linked to more people present, longer waits, past negative hospital experiences, and maternal religious practices. Understanding these factors can help reduce preoperative anxiety in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Anesthesiology
- Child Psychology
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Preoperative anxiety in children is a common challenge during anesthesia induction.
- Identifying contributing factors is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific factors associated with increased anxiety in children during anesthesia induction.
- To provide data for improving the pediatric perioperative experience.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 120 children (aged 5-12) undergoing general anesthesia were assessed.
- Children and parents completed pre-surgery interviews and anxiety measures.
- Anxiety levels at induction were measured using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale.
Main Results:
- Increased number of people in the room during induction correlated with higher anxiety.
- Longer waiting times from hospital admission to anesthesia induction were associated with greater anxiety.
- Negative past hospital experiences and maternal non-religious affiliation were linked to increased child anxiety.
Conclusions:
- Environmental and experiential factors significantly influence pediatric preoperative anxiety.
- Interventions should address the number of personnel, waiting times, and prior experiences.
- Maternal religious practice may play a role in a child's anxiety response.
Abstract:
This study aimed to identify factors contributing to anxiety at induction of anaesthesia in children. One hundred and twenty children aged five to twelve years and scheduled for surgery requiring general anaesthesia were included. Children were interviewed and assessed prior to surgery. Parents completed anxiety measures prior to surgery and were interviewed after the induction of anaesthesia. The level of children's anxiety was determined at the time of induction of anaesthesia by the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale. Factors associated with increased levels of anxiety in the children included increased number of people in the room at induction of anaesthesia; longer waiting time between admission at the hospital and induction of anaesthesia; negative memories of previous hospital experiences; and having a mother who does not practise a religion. Suggestions for implementation of the findings and for future research are provided.
