Incidence and risk factors of preoperative anxiety among surgical patients in King Abdulaziz University Hospital

Introduction: Anxiety is a feeling of discomfort that often involves emotions such as worry and fear. This feeling tends to intensify when someone is facing surgery. Preoperative anxiety (POA) is a common psychological condition among patients preparing for surgery, which can lead to adverse postoperative outcomes, including increased pain, delayed recovery, and a higher risk of infection. Despite its significant clinical impact, research on POA in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the Western region, is limited. This study aims to assess the incidence of POA and identify its risk factors among surgical patients at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: This single-center cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 at KAUH in the Department of Surgery, a tertiary care center. The study included 70 adult inpatients scheduled for surgery under anesthesia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, medical history, surgical experiences, and fears of pain or complications. A validated tool, the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS), was used to assess anxiety levels. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, applying Chi-square tests, Spearman's correlation, and logistic regression to determine significant predictors of preoperative anxiety (POA). Results: = 0.041). No significant association was found between POA and factors such as chronic disease, previous surgical history, or ASA classification. Conclusion: POA affects 41.4% of patients, especially females and those worried about pain and complications. This highlights the need for psychological assessments and clear patient education before surgery. Interventions like counseling and straightforward discussions about pain management can help reduce anxiety and improve surgical outcomes. Future research should focus on long-term studies to investigate these connections further.