What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to assess the prevalence of preoperative anxiety and its associated factors in adult patients before elective surgery.

March 7, 2026Open Access

Preoperative Anxiety and Associated Factors Among Adult Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery at the Public Hospitals in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Key Result

Preoperative anxiety prevalence was 58.2% among elective surgery patients in Bahir Dar, associated strongly with fear of death (AOR 5.21) and fear of anesthesia (AOR 4.82).

Key Points

The aim is to assess the prevalence of preoperative anxiety and its associated factors in adult patients before elective surgery.
Cross-sectional design conducted in public hospitals in Bahir Dar City.
Data collected using structured questionnaires including APAIS and Oslo-3 Scales.
Systematic random sampling was used to select participants.
Data analysis performed with EpiData and SPSS, using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression.
58.2% of patients experienced preoperative anxiety (95% CI: 53.1%–63.1%).
Significant associations found between preoperative anxiety and factors like fear of death (AOR = 5.21) and fear of anesthesia (AOR = 4.82).
Patients unaware of their surgery plan had higher anxiety (AOR = 4.79).
Social support impacts anxiety with poorer support linked to higher levels (AOR = 2.71).

Structured PICO

What is the prevalence of preoperative anxiety and its associated factors among adult patients undergoing elective surgery?

Population

390 adult patients undergoing elective surgery in public hospitals of Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia

Outcome

Prevalence of preoperative anxiety and associated factorspatient reported

Over half of adult patients undergoing elective surgery experience preoperative anxiety, highlighting the need for adequate preoperative information and social support.

Main Result

Absolute Event Rate: 0% vs 0%

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background and Aims Preoperative anxiety affects many patients, impacting both their readiness for surgery and their postoperative recovery. A multi‐center study on preoperative anxiety is limited to the study area. Understanding patients' informational needs and other associated factors is crucial for developing effective strategies and enhancing patient outcomes. This research aims to assess the prevalence of preoperative anxiety and associated factors among adult patients undergoing elective surgery in public hospitals of Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia, 2023. Methods This multi‐center hospital‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted from September 1 to October 30, 2023. A systematic random sampling was used. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, which included APAIS AND Oslo‐3 Scales, on the day before surgery, entered, and analyzed using EpiData version 4.6. and SPSS version 26. Descriptive analysis and binary logistic regression were performed, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results A total of 390 patients participated in the study, with a response rate of 95.8%. The prevalence of preoperative anxiety was 58.2% (95% CI: 53.1%–63.1%). Preoperative anxiety was significantly associated with fear of death (Adjusted odd ratio AOR = 5.21, 95% CI: 2.21–12.25), fear of anesthesia (AOR = 4.82, 95% CI: 2.12–10.93), concern about not recovering from anesthesia or illness (AOR = 3.00, 95% CI: 1.27–7.56), unaware of the planned surgery (AOR = 4.79, 95% CI: 2.01–11.43), Not knowing the type of anesthesia (AOR = 3.78, 95% CI: 1.71–8.37), having history of surgery (AOR = 2.48, 95%CI: 1.10‐5.60), and poor social support (AOR = 2.71, 95% CI: 1.13–6.51). Conclusions and Recommendations In this study, nearly one‐fifth of the patients (58.2%) experienced preoperative anxiety. The findings highlight the need for all surgical patients to visit a preoperative clinic where they can receive adequate information about their procedure, anesthesia, and overall condition. Strengthening social support systems and ensuring timely evaluation and management of preoperative anxiety are essential to improving patient outcomes.