Level and predictors of anxiety in patients undergoing diagnostic bronchoscopy

Flexible bronchoscopy is a common procedure performed in pulmonary medicine, critical care, and thoracic surgery. In this study, we aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of anxiety in patients undergoing diagnostic bronchoscopy.

This is a prospective study conducted at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. All patients undergoing diagnostic bronchoscopy filled the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire before the procedure. Bronchoscopy was performed either through the mouth or the nose, based on the bronchoscopist preference. Lidocaine (1%-2%) spray was used for administering topical anesthesia. Results were collected, and statistical analysis was performed using t-test to measure statistically significant (P < 0.05).

A total of 117 patients participated in this study. High anxiety score was found in 45% of the patients. Older patients significantly showed higher anxiety score than younger patients (53 years vs. 46 years, P = 0.034). Similarly, patients with higher body mass index (BMI) showed a statistically significant increase in anxiety score (28 vs. 25, P = 0.041). Premedication with pethidine significantly reduced the anxiety levels (26.9% vs. 73.1%, P = 0.031). Logistic regression demonstrated that old age and outpatient settings were significant predictors of higher anxiety scores.

Diagnostic bronchoscopy can cause high anxiety in many patients. Prebronchoscopy anxiety assessment can help bronchoscopists to anticipate the anxiety levels of patients, and then further use it to tailor sedation requirements. Special attention should be given to older patients, patients with high BMI, and the ones undergoing bronchoscopy in outpatient settings.