Evaluation of Preoperative Anxiety among Patients Undergoing Elective Ophthalmic Surgeries at KCMC
Mzee Yusuf Gawany *
Department of Ophthalmology, KCMC University, Moshi, Tanzania.
Andrew Makupa
Department of Ophthalmology, KCMC University, Moshi, Tanzania and Department of Ophthalmology, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania.
Livin E. Kanje
Government Chemist Laboratory Authority, Dodoma, Tanzania.
Einoti Matayan
Department of Ophthalmology, KCMC University, Moshi, Tanzania and Department of Ophthalmology, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: To evaluate the proportions and assess factors associated with pre-operative anxiety among patients undergoing elective eye surgeries at KCMC.
Study Design: This was a hospital based cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Ophthalmology at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Tanzania, between November 2024 and May 2025.
Methodology: A total of 220 participants scheduled for ophthalmic surgery were enrolled into the study. The Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) was used to detect preoperative anxiety along with a data collection sheet for surgical and patient information. The overall prevalence of pre-operative anxiety was determined using a binary variable derived from patients who scored above 10 on the total APAIS score. Bivariate analysis comparing categorized variables and multivariate analysis were performed.
Results: The proportion of high preoperative anxiety was 26.4% (95% CI: 20.7–32.4%). Surgery-related anxiety (31.8%; mean score 4.44 ± 2.22) was more prevalent than anesthesia-related anxiety (23.2%; mean score 3.87 ± 2.25). Younger age(P = 0.15), high information desire (P < 0.001), and diagnostic surgical indication(P = 0.001). were independently associated with high preoperative anxiety.
Conclusion: A substantial proportion of ophthalmic patients at KCMC experience high preoperative anxiety, predominantly driven by surgery-related concerns. Targeted preoperative counseling and patient-centered information delivery may reduce anxiety levels.
Keywords: Preoperative anxiety, ophthalmic surgery, APAIS, elective surgery, Tanzania