Factors influencing pain, anxiety, and comfort in patients undergoing coronary angiography

ABSTRACT Objectives: To investigate the factors associated with pain, anxiety and comfort in patients undergoing coronary angiography. Additionally, the relationship between pain, anxiety and comfort was examined. Methods: This observational study included 214 patients who underwent coronary angiography at Abant Izzet Baysal University Hospital in Bolu, Turkey, between October 2022 and December 2023. Demographic information, anxiety, and pain were recorded before and after the procedure, and comfort levels were recorded after the procedure. State-Trait anxiety inventory (STAI-State and Continuous), Paranesthesia Comfort Questionnaire (PCQ), General Comfort Questionnaire (GCQ) scales were used for analyses. Results: The patients were mostly male (67.3%) and had chest pain (75.7%). The analysis revealed that both the pre-STAI-State, and post-STAI-Continuous scores were elevated in the female demographic(p≤0.05). A statistically significant difference was observed in the pre-STAI-State score of patients diagnosed with hypertension. The study further demonstrated that individuals who were provided with comprehensive information regarding the procedure prior to coronary angiography exhibited higher pre-procedure STAI-Status scores, and lower PCQ. There was a statistically significant positive relationship between pain and both the pre-post STAI-State and the post-STAI-Continuous, but at a low level (r=0.256 and r=0.379, respectively; p<0.001). Conclusion: This study reveals the factors influencing patients’ anxiety levels post-coronary angiography. Gender significantly impacts anxiety, and comfort levels. These findings emphasize the importance of psychological support and personalized patient information during coronary angiography(Clinical Trials Register:NCT06266117).