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. 2024 Sep 2;16(9):e68454.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.68454. eCollection 2024 Sep.

Prevalence, Determinants, and Coping Strategies of Preoperative Anxiety Among Surgical Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study in Jazan, Saudi Arabia

Majed M Madkhali  1 , Mohammed E Mojiri  2 , Osama A Mobarki  2 , Yahya M Alawi  2 , Faisal H Almalki  2 , Abdulrahman Y Safhi  2 , Ayman M Shami  2 , Ohoud M Masmali  2 , Alanoud M Masmali  2 , Maram H Harbi  2 , Rehaf A Areeshi  2 , Areej A Bajubayr  3 , Raneem B Felemban  3 , Ahmed M Sumayli  2 , Ibrahim M Hamzi  4
Affiliations

Prevalence, Determinants, and Coping Strategies of Preoperative Anxiety Among Surgical Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study in Jazan, Saudi Arabia

Majed M Madkhali et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Background: Preoperative anxiety is a prevalent concern among surgical patients, significantly impacting their well-being and recovery. Common sources of anxiety include fears related to pain, anesthesia, and surgical outcomes. Despite the importance of addressing this issue, there is limited research on preoperative anxiety in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. This study explores the prevalence, determinants, and coping strategies for preoperative anxiety among surgical patients in this region.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey distributed to patients scheduled for surgery at healthcare facilities in Jazan. The survey collected data on demographics, surgical history, anxiety symptoms, sources of anxiety, and coping strategies. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.

Results: The study included 312 participants, primarily young adults aged 18-24 years. The majority reported experiencing anxiety symptoms such as nausea (47.8%), sweating (47.8%), and irritability (41.3%). Pain (54.2%), surgical outcomes (49.0%), and anesthesia (32.4%) were the most common sources of anxiety. Support from family and friends (66.7%) and relaxation techniques (26.6%) were identified as the most effective coping strategies. A significant proportion (71.8%) expressed a need for additional support.

Conclusion: Preoperative anxiety is common among surgical patients in Jazan, driven mainly by concerns about pain, anesthesia, and surgical outcomes. Effective coping strategies include support from family and friends and relaxation techniques. There is a need for additional support resources to improve patient care and reduce anxiety.

Keywords: anesthesia; coping strategies; jazan; online survey; pain; preoperative anxiety; prevalence; saudi arabia; surgical patients.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Jazan University Ethics Committee, Jazan, Saudi Arabia issued approval 2024. The research adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki and followed ethical guidelines for conducting research involving human participants. Informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to their involvement in the study, ensuring their understanding of the study's purpose, procedures, and their right to withdraw at any time without consequence. All data collected were anonymized to maintain participant confidentiality and were securely stored and managed in accordance with data protection regulations. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

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