Evaluation of Preoperative and Postoperative Anxiety Levels among Surgical Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Surgical procedures, while crucial for medical treatment, often induce significant psychological stress, particularly preoperative and postoperative anxiety. This anxiety can adversely affect clinical outcomes, including increased pain perception, delayed wound healing, and extended hospital stays. Despite advancements in surgical care, the psychological aspects of surgery remain underexplored, highlighting the need for systematic evaluation of anxiety throughout the surgical journey. Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted at MVJ Medical College and Research Hospital from March 2023 to October 2023, including 212 participants. Preoperative and postoperative anxiety levels were assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Socio-demographic and clinical factors contributing to anxiety were also identified. Results: The study revealed that 61.32% of patients experienced high preoperative anxiety, which significantly decreased to 19.33% postoperatively. Conversely, low anxiety levels increased from 12.7% to 43.34%, indicating a notable reduction in anxiety following surgery. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between preoperative and postoperative anxiety levels (χ² = 86.12, p < 0.00001). Factors contributing to preoperative anxiety included concerns about family (91.03%), fear of complications (80.6%), and financial loss (68.86%). Discussion: The findings align with existing literature, confirming that surgical interventions reduce anxiety levels. However, moderate anxiety persisted postoperatively, possibly due to residual concerns such as pain and recovery challenges. Addressing both physical and psychological aspects in perioperative care is essential for improving patient outcomes. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of integrating psychological support into perioperative care. While surgery reduces preoperative anxiety, addressing residual postoperative stress is crucial for optimizing recovery and patient satisfaction. Further multicenter studies are needed to generalize these findings.