The evaluation of anxiety before cataract surgery

Abstract

Objective To analyse the changes in anxiety level and the information requirement of cataract patients at three different time points before surgery. Methods This was a prospective study. One hundred and thirty-nine adult patients scheduled for elective cataract operation were enrolled. Level of anxiety and the information requirement about surgery and/or anesthesia were assessed with the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) at three time points, including Ward(T1), preoperative holding area(T2) and operating room before the start of surgery(T3). Results The frequency of patients with highest preoperative anxiety peaked at the preoperative holding area. The median score of the need for information decreased from T1 to T2 and T3. While at all three time points, the mean anxiety scores for anesthesia were significantly higher than those for the surgical procedure (P< 0.001, respectively). In the ward, the patients' demand for information about their surgical procedure was significantly greater than that about the anesthesia (P< 0.05). The patient who desired more for the surgical information showed more anxious behaviors (P<0.001). Female patients had absolutely higher opportunity to develop high anxiety before the surgery (odds ratio 4.75, 95% confidence interval 1.12~13.78). Conclusion The frequencies of patients' anxiety vary at three preoperative time points. The factors that influence pre-operation anxiety are unchangeable. Providing surgery information is the only way to release anxiety. Key words: Cataract; Surgery; Anxiety; Scale