Prevalence and Predictors of Parental Anxiety in Pediatric Surgery: An Observational Study

Parental anxiety is a common yet often under-addressed component for children undergoing surgery. It is not only distressing for the parents but also affects the perioperative outcomes of the patient. This study aims to determine the prevalence and identify the sociodemographic and clinical predictors of perioperative anxiety among Indian parents whose children were undergoing elective paediatric surgery.

A prospective observational study was conducted involving 216 parents at a tertiary care hospital. Parental anxiety status was assessed using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) at admission and discharge, and the "Amsterdam Pre-Operative Anxiety and Information Scale" (APAIS) immediately before surgery. Associations with demographic, educational, socioeconomic, previous surgical exposure, and surgical variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression models.

Clinically significant preoperative anxiety (HAM-A ≥15 or APAIS ≥11) was observed in 56% of parents, and higher in mothers (67.3% vs. 56.9%, P = 0.002). Lower socioeconomic status and lack of prior surgical experience were associated with higher anxiety. Mothers reported significantly higher anxiety in all APAIS subdomains, including desire for information. Postoperative HAM-A scores showed a significant reduction (P < 0.001).

Pre-operative anxiety is highly prevalent among Indian parents, particularly mothers and those with lower socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. Structured counseling and information support integrated into perioperative care are essential to reduce anxiety and improve family-centered outcomes.