To evaluate the level of anxiety and depression in patients admitted in surgical wards: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: To evaluate anxiety and depression, and their prevalence and risk factors in preoperative patients admitted in general surgery wards. Assessing the need for appropriate interventions to better manage these conditions allowing for better outcomes. Materials and Methods: The study involves 93 pre-operative patients in a Cross-sectional design with face-to-face interviews conducted by the author a day prior to the surgery. General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scales were used to assess patient anxiety and depression, respectively. The data obtained was then analyzed and appropriate conclusions were derived. Result: The prevalence of Anxiety and Depression among preoperative patients was found to be 20.4% and 10.8%, respectively. About 22.2% of female participants and 19.7% of male participants were diagnosed with Anxiety. Among participants with no past operative history, 20.6% and 17.2% were diagnosed with Anxiety and Depression, respectively. Among the participants who had undergone an operation before, 4.3% and 12.8% were diagnosed with Anxiety and Depression, respectively. Among patients with co-morbidities 22.5% and 25% had Anxiety and Depression, respectively. Conclusion: Female patients and those with comorbidities are at higher risk of developing anxiety and depression in the preoperative period. Therefore precautions should be taken when considering such patients for surgery and use of tools should be promoted for diagnosis of anxiety and depressive disorders in clinical settings.