The Impact of Patients’ Pain Level on the Anxiety Levels of Themselves and Their Attendants

Objective: Pain is a major obstacle for people to perform their daily duties and a condition deteriorating the quality of life. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of pain on anxiety levels. Materials and Methods: The study included patients who had thoracic trauma or thoracic surgery between January 01, 2023, and July 01, 2023, and their relatives who stayed with them as primary attendants. Demographic data from all volunteers included in the study were collected, and a visual analog scale (VAS) was administered to trauma patients on the first day after trauma and to surgical patients on postoperative day 1. The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) was administered to both patients and their attendants, and anxiety scores were determined. The anxiety levels were categorized as mild, moderate, and severe anxiety. Results: A total of 174 patients and 174 primary attendants were enrolled in the study. The mean VAS scores of the patients were 6.06 for males and 6.56 for females. A statistically significant relationship was observed between the VAS and BAI scores of the patients. There was also a significant relationship between the patients and their attendants regarding BAI scores. Conclusion: Pain in patients can cause anxiety, although not severe, for both patients and their caregivers.