Effects of sociodemographic factors and maternal anxiety on preoperative anxiety in children. (April 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cagiran, Esra; Sergin, Demet; Deniz, Mustafa Nuri; Tanattı, Burçak; Emiroglu, Neslihan; Alper, Isik
• Is Part Of: Journal of international medical research. Volume 42:Number 2(2014:Apr.)
• Page Start: 572
• Page End: 580
• Publication Date: 2014-04
• Subjects: Maternal anxiety -- preoperative anxiety in children -- paediatric surgery; Medicine -- Periodicals; Pharmacology -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1177/0300060513503758
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-0605

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effects of sociodemographic factors and maternal anxiety levels on behaviour in children undergoing surgery. Methods: This study included children aged 3–12 years who were scheduled for surgery, and their respective mothers. Each mother completed a questionnaire concerning sociodemographic and economic characteristics. Maternal anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) form Tx-1, following transfer of the child to the operating room. An anaesthesiologist rated preoperative anxiety in each child using the Frankl Behaviour Rating Scale (FBRS) and Venham Picture Test (VPT). Results: One hundred children (mean ± SD age 7 ± 2.7 years) who received dental (47%), plastic (39%) or urological (14%) surgery, and 100 mothers (mean ± SD age 34 ± 6.6 years) were included. A statistically significant difference between maternal STAI Tx-1 scores and children's VPT scores was revealed. There was no significant difference between maternal STAI Tx-1 scores and children's FBRS scores. Maternal education level and socioeconomic status had no effect on FBRS, VPT and STAI Tx-1 scores. Conclusion: Maternal knowledge and experience of anaesthesia, and high levels of maternal anxiety, may be related to increased anxiety in children undergoing surgery.