Correlation Between Intolerance of Uncertainty and Post-Operative Regret in Otolaryngology Patients. (June 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cleveland, Chelsea N.; Virgen, Celina; Steinman, Shari A.; Callaham, Sarah; Wanstreet, Tyler; Carr, Michele M.
• Is Part Of: Annals of otology, rhinology & laryngology. Volume 132:Number 6(2023)
• Page Start: 601
• Page End: 606
• Publication Date: 2023-06
• Subjects: regret -- intolerance of uncertainty -- anxiety -- decision -- otolaryngology -- surgery; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1177/00034894221098708
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4894

Abstract

Objective: To determine if intolerance of uncertainty, depression, anxiety, worry, or stress are related to post-op regret in otolaryngology patients. Methods: Adult patients or parents giving consent for pediatric patients meeting criteria for otolaryngologic surgery were recruited and completed the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS-12), Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ), and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) preop and the Decisional Regret (DR) scale 1-month post-op. Pearson correlations were calculated. Results: The cohort included 109 patients, 73 (67%) males and 36 (33.3%) females. 43 (39.5%) were college graduates and 66 (60.9%) were not. Mean IUS-12 score was 22.9 (95% CI 21.0-24.8), mean PSWQ score was 46.9 (95% CI 44.5-49.3). DASS-21 mean score was 11.9 (95% CI 9.6-14.3). Mean DR score was 11.1 (95% CI 8.6-13.6). IUS-12 subscales Prospective Anxiety mean score was 14.2 (95% CI 12.8-15.5) and Inhibitory Anxiety mean score was 16.5 (95% CI 14.5-18.6). The Pearson correlation coefficient for post-op DR and total preop IUS was .188 ( P = .027) and the correlation coefficient for post-op DR and preop Prospective Anxiety subscale of IUS score was .174 ( P = .037). Correlations with PSWQ and DASS-21 scores and DR were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Intolerance of uncertainty is a psychological construct that is associated with post-op DR. More work is needed to determine whether screening for IU and behavior modification directed at IU for those with high levels would improve post-op decisional regret.