Assessment of Preoperative Anxiety Among Patients of Open-Heart Surgery at Cardiac Centres of Rawalpindi and Islamabad

Anxiety is a complex emotional condition that is often described as a noxious internal disturbance that is accompanied by restlessness. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of preoperative anxiety and to find out main risk factors among patients waiting for open heart surgery. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at cardiac centers of Rawalpindi. A total of 180 respondents who were admitted in hospital for open heart surgery were consecutively selected for the purpose of the study. APAIS and STAI were used to collect data regarding preoperative anxiety. Adjusted odd ratios were determined for the major risk factors. Results: Majority were males (64.4%) and were 20-46 years of age (48.3%). It can be seen that patients who presented low levels of preoperative anxiety were slightly higher in number as compared to those who presented high levels of anxiety. Females, patients of younger age group (20-46 years) and those undergoing valvular surgeries were more prone to develop all subtypes of preoperative anxiety (p value<0.05). While surgery schedule is also a main predictor of anxiety due to anaesthesia and procedure (p value<0.05). Conclusions: Majority of the patients undergoing open heart surgery presented low levels of preoperative anxiety while females, younger patients and those undergoing valvular surgeries were considered more susceptible of developing preoperative anxiety.