The Effect of Animated Videos as a Medium for Reducing Pre-Operative Anxienty With General Anesthesia

ABSTRACT Background: Preoperative anxiety is a common emotional response in patients undergoing surgical procedures, including laparotomy with general anaesthesia. This anxiety can have a negative impact on the patient's physiological condition and the postoperative recovery process. Effective preoperative education can be one strategy to reduce anxiety. Animated videos as an educational medium can distract both cognitively and emotionally by shifting focus from fear to engaging content. Animated videos visualized in the form of audio and visual combinations about the anaesthesia procedure can improve patients' understanding and reduce their anxiety about medical procedures. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of animated videos as an educational medium in reducing preoperative anxiety in laparotomy with general anaesthesia. Method: This study used a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test and post-test approach with a control group. The sample consisted of 30 patients scheduled for laparotomy at PKU Muhammadiyah Gamping Hospital, divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received education through a 7-minute animated video, while the control group received conventional verbal explanations. Anxiety was measured using the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS). Results: Data analysis showed a significant decrease in anxiety scores in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The average anxiety score decreased from moderate to mild in the group that received the animated video. Conclusion: Animated videos have proven effective as an educational medium for reducing preoperative anxiety levels in patients undergoing laparotomy with general anaesthesia. The use of animated educational media is recommended as part of standard preoperative preparation in hospitals.