Incidence, Associated Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Postoperative Anxiety in Elderly: a retrospective study

Abstract Background Research on postoperative anxiety (POA), especially in elderly, is limited. The relevance of POA for patients’ outcomes is unknown. We aimed to ascertain the incidence, identify potential risk factors and investigate the immediate outcomes of POA. Methods This retrospective cohort study analyzed elderly who underwent surgery in our hospital between May 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021. Perioperative anxiety was evaluated with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire-7. A multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations between perioperative data and occurrence of POA. Results A total of 308 patients were analyzed. POA was recorded in 160 patients within 7 days after surgery (51.9%). The incidence of POA was associated with worsened postoperative sleep quality (PSQ) and pain. Preoperative anxiety (OR, 3.60; 95% CI, 1.76–7.40) and preoperative sleep disturbance (OR, 3.34; 95% CI, 1.82–6.13) were identified as independent risk factors of POA. Patients who developed POA exhibited significantly higher 24 h pain VAS scores and worsen PSQ scores on postoperative day 1, 2 and 3. Anxiety at 30 and 90 days after surgery was significantly increased compared with those without POA. Conclusion Our study indicates that POA is prevalent and associated with immediate postoperative outcomes.