Determination of factors affecting the patient's anxiety level in the preoperative waiting area

This study was conducted to determine the anxiety levels of patients undergoing surgical procedures in the preoperative waiting area and the factors affecting these levels. The population of this descriptive cross-sectional study consisted of patients who underwent surgical operations at Kanuni Training and Research Hospital affiliated with Trabzon Provincial Health Directorate. The sample size was determined as 366 patients based on power analysis. Data were collected face-to-face in the preoperative waiting area using the Introductory Information Form, STAI State and Trait Anxiety Scale, Visual Analog Scale, and Waiting Area Anxiety Causes Form. The data were analyzed with appropriate statistical methods using the SPSS 22.0 package program. The mean age of the patients was 48.800±16.551 years; 50.8% were female, 60.9% were not employed, and 36.9% were primary school graduates. On the day of surgery, the mean waiting time in the clinic was 209.470±111.498 minutes, and the mean waiting time in the waiting area was 31.080±17.700 minutes. The mean state anxiety score of the participants in the waiting area was 53.926±3.428, and the mean trait anxiety score was 55.353±5.18. According to multiple linear regression analysis, trait anxiety level, gender, preoperative physical independence, type of surgery, and presence of pain explained 20.7% of the variance in state anxiety levels measured in the waiting area. Particularly, trait anxiety level and undergoing endoscopic surgery were identified as the strongest predictors of state anxiety. When the factors affecting preoperative anxiety were examined, being in an unfamiliar environment, the temperature of the waiting area, not being able to see the doctor on the day of surgery, and fear of postoperative pain were identified as the main reasons. In conclusion, the study found that patients experienced moderate levels of anxiety in the preoperative waiting area, and anxiety levels were influenced by individual, environmental, and surgical related factors. Improving the conditions of the waiting area, informing patients, and strengthening communication with the surgical team may be effective in reducing anxiety.