Nepalese patients' anxiety and concerns before surgery

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Psychology
• Surgical Care

Background:

• Preoperative anxiety is a common concern for surgical patients.
• Understanding anxiety fluctuations and information needs is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess changes in anxiety and information needs at three distinct preoperative time points.
• To identify factors influencing preoperative anxiety and information seeking.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study of 201 adult patients undergoing elective surgery.
• Utilized the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) at three time points: ward, preoperative holding area, and operating room.
• Assessed anxiety levels and need for information regarding surgery and anesthesia.

Main Results:

• Anxiety peaked in the preoperative holding area, while the need for information decreased over time.
• Anxiety scores for anesthesia were higher than for surgery; patients desired more surgical information when in the ward.
• High anxiety correlated with female gender and need for general anesthesia.
• Greater need for information was associated with general anesthesia, younger age, higher education, and no prior surgery.

Conclusions:

• Preoperative anxiety levels vary significantly at different stages before surgery.
• Anxiety-related factors are largely nonmodifiable; patient education is the primary intervention.
• Targeted information provision can help manage patient anxiety effectively.