Effects of Preoperative Anxiety on Hemodynamic Status and Postoperative Pain in Cesarean Section Under Spinal Anesthesia

Background & Objective: Preoperative anxiety is commonly reported among obstetric patients. This anxiety can lead to increased postoperative pain, prolonged hospital stays and hemodynamic fluctuations. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of pre-operative anxiety on hemodynamic changes and post-operative pain in obstetric patients undergoing elective Cesarean Section (CS).Materials & Methods: This descriptive, analytical study was conducted on 240 pregnant women who referred to Alzahra Hospital for cesarean section during 2023. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used, respectively, to assess patients' preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain.Results: The data of 240 eligible women were analyzed. 38 patients (15.8%) had severe preoperative anxiety, 124 women (51.7%) had moderate preoperative anxiety, and 13 women (32.5%) had Mild preoperative anxiety. 148(61.7%) of mothers undergoing cesarean section had mild post-operative pain, 79(32.9%) of mothers had moderate post-operative pain and Only 13 women (5.4%) reported severe post-operative pain. There was a significant association between preoperative anxiety severity and postoperative pain (P<0.0001). The higher level of education (P=0.014), older ages (P<0.0001), a history of previous surgery (P<0.0001) and a greater number of pregnancies (P<0.0001) were significantly associated with lower severity of anxiety.Conclusion: There was a significant association between preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain in cesarean section as well as hemodynamic parameters. A very small percentage of mothers suffered from severe anxiety peri-operation, and a small percentage reported severe and acute post-operation pain.