Personality traits as predictors of anxiety prior to caesarean section under regional anaesthesia

One hundred and fifteen patients scheduled for elective Caesarean section under regional anaesthesia were questioned to determine their personality profiles and anxiety state. Positive correlations were found between neuroticism and anxiety scores (p < 0.05). Patients with tendencies towards both neuroticism and introversion had higher pre-operative anxiety scores than other personality types (p = 0.015). In general, previous experience did not reduce pre-operative anxiety and personality appeared to be a better predictor of anxiety prior to Caesarean section under regional anaesthesia. Some personality types might benefit from additional support to improve their ability to cope with this stressful event.