EVALUATION OF ANXIETY AND FEAR ABOUT ANESTHESIA IN ADULTS UNDERGOING SURGERY UNDER GENERAL ANESTHESIA- AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Preoperative anxiety is a significant concern for patients undergoing surgery, with fear of anesthesia being a primary cause. This anxiety can lead to negative postoperative outcomes, including increased pain and longer hospital stays. Effective communication during the pre-anesthetic visit is crucial for mitigating these fears, yet its impact is not always optimal. This study aimed to evaluate the specific factors contributing to anxiety and fear about general anesthesia in adult surgical patients and to determine their association with various demographic characteristics.

Methods: A prospective randomized observational study was conducted at Saveetha Medical College Hospital between September 2023 and August 2024. A total of 100 adult patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia were included. Data were collected one day before surgery using a structured questionnaire to identify specific fears. The level of anxiety was quantified using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test and multivariate regression to assess the relationship between anxiety levels and patient demographics.

Results: A significant majority of patients (77.5%) reported experiencing anxiety about anesthesia. The most common fears cited were vomiting after surgery (81%), dizziness and drowsiness (54%), and paralysis due to anesthesia (51%). The study found a statistically significant correlation between higher anxiety levels and female gender (p<0.05), higher education level (p<0.01 for mild/minimal anxiety), and having no previous experience with anesthesia (p<0.05). Despite 78.4% of patients wishing to meet their anesthesiologist beforehand, 45.7% of those who had a pre-anesthetic visit felt it did not reduce their anxiety.

Conclusion: Fear of anesthesia is a prevalent and multifaceted issue among adult surgical patients, influenced by gender, education, and prior surgical experiences. The findings highlight a critical need to improve the quality of communication during the pre-anesthetic consultation. Establishing a strong, reassuring physician-patient relationship is essential to effectively manage anxiety, build patient confidence, and improve overall surgical outcomes.