Preoperative anxiety among patients who were about to receive uterine dilatation and curettage.

BACKGROUND: From our clinical experience, preoperative anxiety are quite common among women who were about to receive uterine dilatation and curettage (D&C). However these conditions have not yet been studied. The authors aimed to examine the prevalence of anxiety as well as the underlying specific concerns among this group of patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The authors assessed preoperative anxiety in 383 women who were about to receive D&C by using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and questionnaires to assess specific concern toward this operation. RESULTS: Prevalence of preoperative anxiety was 23.2%. Among the pregnant subjects, preoperative anxiety was associated with concern over being approached in lithotomy position and concern with the procedure. For the non-pregnant subjects, high preoperative pain score, marital status, having no medical expense reimbursement, distrust in medical personnel, concern over being approached in lithotomy position, and intra-operative pain are associated with anxiety. CONCLUSION: Preoperative anxiety is quite common among this group of patients. Understanding the underlying specific concern of women who are about to receive D&C will help medical personnel to provide more effective management strategies in making the patients more comfortable.