Prevalence and Related Factors of Preoperative Anxiety and Fear in Patients Undergoing Interventional Embolization of Intracranial Aneurysm: A Prospective Observational Study with Repeated Measurements

Abstract

Background: Preoperative anxiety and fear are common in patients undergoing interventional embolization for intracranial aneurysms and may adversely affect perioperative outcomes. Objective: To assess changes in preoperative anxiety and fear at different time points and to identify factors associated with preoperative anxiety and fear in patients undergoing intracranial aneurysm embolization. Methods: This prospective observational study with repeated measurements enrolled 201 patients from a tertiary hospital. Anxiety and information needs were evaluated using the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale, and fear was assessed with the Surgical Fear Questionnaire at 24 hours after admission and one day before surgery. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed. Results: Anxiety and fear levels increased significantly as surgery approached, with 31.34% of patients experiencing severe anxiety preoperatively. Information needs were positively associated with anxiety and fear at both time points (P<0.001). Surgical history was associated with anxiety, whereas gender was associated with fear at 24 hours after admission. Conclusion: Patients undergoing intracranial aneurysm embolization experience substantial and escalating preoperative anxiety and fear. Targeted nursing interventions addressing information needs and individual characteristics associated with psychological distress may help support preoperative psychological care.