Abstract :
Introduction: The aim of the present study was to assess the anxiety among preoperative women in
department of OBG of Saveetha Medical College and Hospital. Hospitalization of a patient during surgery
is considered to be a stressful situation. During preoperative period, patients experience anxiety, if untreated
leads to an adverse impact on postoperative recovery of a patient.
Materials and Methods: An observational study was done on 96 patients aged between 21–70 years
undergoing elective both obstetrical and gynecological surgeries in department of OBG in SMCH. After
collecting basic demographic details from the participants, by interview method using a structured
questionnaire the study was conducted.
Results: Prevalence of preoperative anxiety was (63.54%). Patients awaiting elective both obstetric and
gynecological surgeries experienced a high level of preoperative anxiety. Based on the severity, very severe
anxiety is seen in 63%, severe anxiety in 33.33% while 2.08% showed moderate level of anxiety and mild
anxiety is not seen and 1.04% did not show any anxiety. Higher levels of anxiety were seen in older age
groups (100%) compared to younger aged ones 51–60 years (69.2%), 31–40 years range (70%) and 21–30
years (56.66%). Higher education was found to be related to higher anxiety levels. P atients belonging to
lower middle class 36 (59.02%) showed higher levels of anxiety while upper middle class showed lower
levels of anxiety 25(40.98%). Patients undergoing gynecological surgery was found to have highest level
of preoperative anxiety compared to patients undergoing obstetrical surgery.
Conclusion: The younger age, lower level of socioeconomic status and higher level of education
showed positive association with preoperative anxiety. Preoperative education for these group will
reduce preoperative anxiety. Reducing preoperative anxiety, will enhance smooth postoperative recovery.
Preoperative education is the best way to reduce anxiety.
Keyword :
Anxiety, Preoperative anxiety, Anesthesia, Obstetrical and Gynecological, Surgeries.