Perioperative period from a pediatric perspective: a mixed-methods study.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Child Psychology
• Perioperative Care

Background:

• Children undergoing surgery face significant anxiety.
• Understanding perioperative experiences is crucial for addressing children's needs.
• Limited research exists on the specific anxiety levels and needs of pediatric surgical patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify anxiety levels in children aged 8-12 undergoing surgery.
• To explore children's perioperative experiences and emotional needs.
• To identify factors influencing anxiety in pediatric surgical patients.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods approach combining quantitative (State Anxiety Inventory for Children) and qualitative (in-depth interviews) data.
• Study conducted in a public hospital's surgical ward (October 2023 - February 2024).
• 126 pediatric patients participated in the quantitative phase, with 12 undergoing qualitative interviews.

Main Results:

• Mean anxiety score was 38.39 ± 10.56; younger children and those with genitourinary surgery reported higher anxiety.
• Informed children exhibited significantly lower anxiety scores (p < 0.003).
• Qualitative themes included environmental impact, social support, and operating room expectations.

Conclusions:

• Age, surgery type, and preoperative information significantly impact pediatric surgical anxiety.
• Children's fear and anxiety are pervasive throughout the perioperative period.
• Addressing environmental factors and providing social support are key to mitigating pediatric surgical anxiety.