The Relationship Between COVID-19 Anxiety and Preoperative Anxiety During the Pandemic

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this study was to determine the relationship between COVID-19 anxiety levels and preoperative anxiety in patients who will undergo elective surgery during the pandemic period. DesignThis study was an analytical cross-sectional study. MethodsThe study was carried out with 228 patients between May and December 2021 in the surgical clinics of a training and research hospital. The data were collected using patient information form, Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) and Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS). FindingsThe patients' APAIS total score level was 15.86 ± 6.44, and the CAS score was 6.63 ± 3.61. A positive, moderate and statistically significant relationship was found between the CAS score and the APAIS total score (r = 0.547; P = .000) and, the CAS score and anxiety due to anesthesia surgery (r = 0.545; P = .000) and information (r = 0.501; P = .000) subdimensions. ConclusionsThe results of this study showed that the preoperative anxiety level increased in individuals with increased coronavirus anxiety levels.