Association between preprocedural information and anxiety in patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy with...

Preprocedural anxiety is common among patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy and may be influenced by the quality of information provided before the procedure. However, real-world evidence on the relationship between information delivery and anxiety levels remains limited.

A prospective observational cross-sectional study was conducted in the endoscopy unit of a tertiary hospital between June and September 2024. A total of 351 adult patients scheduled for elective gastroscopy or colonoscopy with sedation were consecutively included. Preprocedural anxiety and information needs were assessed using the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS). Sociodemographic variables, referral pathways, and the adequacy of preprocedural information were also analyzed. Prevalence ratios (PR) with 95% confidence intervals were estimated using modified Poisson regression models.

Clinically significant anxiety (APAIS anxiety subscale ≥11) was observed in 30.2% of patients, and high information needs (APAIS information subscale ≥8) in 34.0%. Women showed significantly higher anxiety levels than men (p < 0.001). Lack of explanation about the procedure was the only variable significantly associated with higher anxiety (PR 1.61; 95% CI 1.14-2.25; p = 0.0074). No significant differences in anxiety were found according to the healthcare professional providing information (p = 0.220).

Nearly one in three patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy with sedation experiences clinically significant preprocedural anxiety, with women and inadequately informed patients constituting the highest-risk groups. These findings support the implementation of standardized, patient-centered educational strategies in endoscopy units.