Effects of Preoperative Anxiety on Hemodynamic Status and Postoperative Pain in Cesarean Section Under Spinal Anesthesia

Abstract

Background & Objective: Preoperative anxiety is commonly reported among obstetric patients. This anxiety can lead to increased postoperative pain; prolonged hospital stays and hemodynamic fluctuations. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of pre-operative anxiety on hemodynamic changes and postoperative pain in obstetric patients undergoing elective Cesarean Section (CS). Materials & Methods: This descriptive, analytical study was conducted on 240 pregnant women who referred to Alzahra Hospital for cesarean section during 2023. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used, respectively, to assess patients' preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain. Results: The data of 240 eligible women were analyzed. 38 patients (15.8%) had severe preoperative anxiety, 124 women (51.7%) had moderate preoperative anxiety, and 13 women (32.5%) had Mild preoperative anxiety. 148(61.7%) of mothers undergoing cesarean section had mild post-operative pain, 79(32.9%) of mothers had moderate post-operative pain and Only 13 women (5.4%) reported severe post-operative pain. There was a significant association between preoperative anxiety severity and postoperative pain (P<0.0001). The higher level of education (P=0.014), older ages (P<0.0001), a history of previous surgery (P<0.0001) and a greater number of pregnancies (P<0.0001) were significantly associated with lower severity of anxiety. Conclusion: There was a significant association between preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain in cesarean section as well as hemodynamic parameters. A very small percentage of mothers suffered from severe anxiety peri-operation, and a small percentage reported severe and acute post-operation pain.