Preoperative Anxiety and Information Requirement in Koreans: The Contributing Factors of Anxiety and the Effect of Midazolam as an Anxiolytic Premedication

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The objectives of the present investigation were to assess the level and contributing factors of Korean patients' anxiety and information requirement in the preoperative phase, and in addition, to confirm the efficacy of intramuscular midazolam as a routine anxiolytic premedication. METHODS: The informed patients were randomized to receive either a placebo (n = 155) or 0.05 mg/kg I.M. midazolam (n = 92) 1 hour prior to arriving at the operating room. All patients were asked by the anesthesiologist to complete a six-item questionaire, APAIS (Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale) at a preoperative holding area. RESULTS: Female and cancer patients may serve as useful predictors of patients at risk for preoperative anxiety. There is a positive relationship between anxiety and information requirement. The patients who had taken 0.05 mg/kg midazolam I.M. as a premedication showed lower anxiety scores than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to performing careful in-depth assessments of anxiety and identifying coping behaviors, anesthesiologists should try to find more appropriate methods of comprehensive preoperative care.