Evaluation of Preoperative Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery at Tertiary Hospital in Bamako, Mali

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Patients and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out from July 10, 2024 to August 18, 2024 at the University Hospital Center of the Institute of Tropical Ophthalmology of Africa in Mali. Patients aged 18 and older who likely to understand and answer our questions were included. The Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale was used to assess preoperative anxiety. Results: A total of 300 patients were included, among whom 161 women and 139 men for a sex-ratio of 0.9. The mean age was 63 ± 12.2 years. The mean preoperative anxiety score was 10.13 ± 4.79 and 42.7% of patients presented a high level of anxiety (score ≥ 11). The mean score related to the need for information was 7.52 ± 2.7 and 62 % of patients presented a high need for information (score > 7). There was a statistically significant association between the high level of anxiety and age, previous surgery and complications. Conclusion: Cataract surgery is often accompanied by anxiety and the patients need information. Preoperative counselling could reduce anxiety and therefore complications.