Correlates of anxiety in patients posted for hysterectomy

Patients undergoing hysterectomy are susceptible to develop anxiety and other psychiatric morbidities. This study was conducted to assess the presence of anxiety symptoms and their correlations with various socio-demographic variables in patients posted for hysterectomy surgery. This is a cross-sectional, single interview study conducted on 30 consecutive patients posted for hysterectomy surgery. Each patient was individually interviewed using a semi-structured proforma. To assess various domains of anxiety, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM–A) was administered. The mean age of the participants was 46.16 years (S.D. 5.91), all of them were married, majority of them being housewives, with good educational background and from urban area. Majority of participants had gynaecological diagnosis of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding. The mental status examination in some (37%) of them revealed anxious mood, and preoccupation with worries. Pain symptoms were present in 67% of the participants. None of the participants had diagnosable anxiety disorder. The mean HAM-A score was 16.5 (SD=5.04) with mild anxiety in 30% and moderate anxiety in 37%. Correlation with age, education, residence, duration of symptoms and gynaecological diagnosis were not significant. Significantly higher anxiety (on HAM A) was found in those with pain symptoms. Women posted for hysterectomy surgery have anxiety which correlates with pain symptoms. They should be evaluated for anxiety symptoms which can help in early diagnosis and treatment and help reduce further morbidity in them.