PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF PRE-OPERATIVE ANXIETY AMONG GENERAL SURGERY PATIENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN TERTIARY CARE SETTING

Introduction: Preoperative anxiety significantly impacts surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction, particularly in developing countries. This study assessed the prevalence and associated factors of preoperative anxiety among general surgery patients in an Indian tertiary care setting. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Srinivasan Medical College & Hospital, Tirchy, from October 2022 to March 2023. Using convenience sampling, 415 adult patients scheduled for elective general surgery procedures were enrolled. Preoperative anxiety was assessed using the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-State). Demographic, clinical, and procedural data were collected through structured questionnaires. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of preoperative anxiety was 64.3% (APAIS ≥13) and 67.7% (STAI-State ≥40). Strong correlation existed between APAIS and STAI-State scores (r=0.742, p<0.001). Significant risk factors included female gender (OR=2.34, 95% CI: 1.52-3.61), younger age 18-30 years (OR=1.87, 95% CI: 1.12-3.12), primary/no education (OR=2.15, 95% CI: 1.24-3.73), no previous surgery (OR=1.78, 95% CI: 1.16-2.74), and general anesthesia (OR=2.46, 95% CI: 1.62-3.74). Higher anxiety levels correlated with prolonged hospital stay (r=0.312), increased postoperative pain (r=0.284), and greater analgesic requirements (r=0.267). Conclusion: Preoperative anxiety prevalence was notably high among Indian surgical patients, with significant associations to demographic and clinical factors. Systematic anxiety screening and targeted interventions are essential for improving perioperative outcomes and patient care quality.