Perioperative knowledge and anxiety score of patients undergoing surgery

Perioperative anxiety is related to several factors. Some of which were investigated in Al-Ain Hospital in a multi-national and multi-cultural population. Identification of such factors would make anesthetic, surgical and nursing personnel more effective in reducing patient anxiety. In the present study, there were 200 multi-cultural subjects. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit the perioperative knowledge. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) Scale was used to assess anxiety in the subjects. A very poor or no perioperative knowledge was elicited from subjects regarding anesthesia, time spent in the operation theatre, duration in hospital or back to fitness and possibility of postponement of operation. Literacy, nationality, type of surgery, previous experience of surgery and family presence and support were found to be significantly related to perioperative anxiety. Results from the present study support the hypothesis that subjects who were educated, have family support, previous surgical experience and better perioperative knowledge have a low anxiety and depression level. National subjects had a significantly lower HAD score than non-national subjects.