Background: Patients anticipating surgery experience significant anxiety. The prevalence of anxiety prior to surgical procedures has been reported to range from 11% to 80% among adult patient populations. The objective of the study is to explore preoperative anxiety dynamics in patients. Methods: Two samples of patients (N1=60, M1=57.5, SD1=16.8; N2=50, M2=44.3, SD2=13.7) were assessed by nurses using the rating scale Anxiety Level-12 and at the same time self-report state anxiety measures HADS-A (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and STAI (State Trait Anxiety Inventory) were administered. Time remaining to surgery ranged from 10 minutes to 48 hours. Findings: Results showed significantly higher anxiety closer to surgery. Several other variables show influence on the relationship: age, premedication, sex, anesthesia. Discussion: In accordance with previous findings the results show that preoperative anxiety changes with time remaining to surgery and the relationship is influenced by various factors, e.g. age, sex, previous surgery, type of anesthesia. Future research could uncover the influence of personality factors on preoperative anxiety dynamics.
