Perioperative anxiety in children

Abstract

UNLABELLED: OBJECTIVES & AIM: The purpose of this investigation was to examine children's anxiety across the perioperative setting. BACKGROUND: Although several studies have examined preoperative anxiety in children, few researchers have illustrated perioperative anxiety; that is, anxiety in children throughout the pre and postoperative continuum. METHODS: Participants were 261 children ages 2-12. Anxiety was rated prior to surgery, immediately after surgery, and for 2 weeks at home following surgery. RESULTS: Low child sociability and high parent anxiety predicted perioperative anxiety. Perioperative anxiety was related to postoperative pain and negative postoperative behavioral change. CONCLUSIONS: Identification and prevention of anxiety in children can help prevent negative outcomes following surgery.