Validity of visual analogue scale in assessment of anxiety: a comparative study in anesthesia clinic

ABSTRACT

To compare the level of Pre-Operative anxiety in patients reporting 24 to 72 hours before Surgery in Government Hospital, with patients assessed 24 to 72 hours before Surgery in Private Hospital. Comparative study. Out patient Anaesthesia clinic at Karachi Medical and Dental College, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and Imam Clinic and General hospital North Nazimabad Karachi from January 2004 to October 2004. Two groups of 20 patients each were studied who underwent Abdominal hysterectomy. Group-A patients were assessed in Pre-Anaesthesia out patient Clinic 24 to 72 hours before admission in Abbasi Shaheed Hospital [Government hospital] and Group-B had Pre-Anaesthesia assessment 24 to 72 hours before surgery in private sector hospital. The visual analogue scale of anxiety [VAS] was used to assess anxiety in patients participated in study and p-value was derived by using independent t-test The median anxiety score is 4[2-6] in Group A and 6[4-9] in Group-B. This anxiety score [VAS] is significantly lower Group-A when compared with Group-B [P< 0.01]. We conclude that Pre-Anaesthetic assessment in Anaesthesia clinic 24 to 72hours before Surgery in Government Sector hospital reduces Pre-Operative anxiety more when compared with an Pre-Anaesthesia assessment in private sector hospital