Anxiety and related factors among geriatric patients undergoing surgical treatment for hip fractures at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Abstract

Background:Hip fractures significantly affect the daily lives of elderly individuals. Patients with hip fractures should undergo surgery as soon as possible. However, surgery is often perceived as a threatening event, affecting patients both physically and psychologically, which may lead to anxiety. This anxiety can arise from both internal and external factors.

Objective:This study aimed to determine the anxiety experienced by elderly patients admitted to the hospital for hip fracture surgery and to investigate the factors associated with anxiety in patients prior to undergoing hip fracture surgery at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai RedCross Society.

Methods:This cross-sectional descriptive study included 85 patients aged 60 years or older admitted with hip fractures to the Orthopedic Department at KCMH. All subjects completed a demographic form, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)Form X-I and X-II,Visual Analog Scale-Anxiety (VASA), pain scale, andSocial Support Questionnaire (SSQ6).

Results:Most subjects were female 72.9%. The mean (standard deviation) of preoperative anxiety before surgery, as measured by State Anxiety, was 48.2 (11.1), with a median (interquartile range) of 47 (40.0 – 57.5). The level of preoperative anxiety, as assessed by the VASA, was 3.2 (1.95), with a median (interquartile range) of 3.0 (1.4 – 4.4). The primary cause of patient anxiety was concerns about daily living activities after surgery. Factors associated with preoperative anxiety were history of previous surgery, pain levels, social support satisfaction, and trait anxiety.

Conclusion:These findings can be applied in reducing anxiety among the patients by guiding healthcare providers to better manage anxiety and improve care during both the preoperative and postoperative periods.