Objective:

To assess the degree of anxiety and preoperative information applying APAIS scale.

Methods:

A cross-sectional and descriptive study, which was conducted in patients undergoing different types of surgery and anesthesia. The following variables were evaluated: age, gender, occupation, the extent of anxiety and information was evaluated with APAIS scale. The information about surgery patients had, was collected with a questionnaire designed for this study. The mean, standard deviation and frequency were calculated. For the presentation of the data were performed bar charts.

Results:

100 patients undergoing various types of surgery were studied, with mean age 43 ± 11.7 years; 79% were female; 53% were employees, 28% devoted to housework, 16% professionals and 3% retired, 89% received general anesthesia, 9% regional and 2% the combination of epidural block and general anesthesia. The prevalence of preoperative anxiety was 25% and required anxiolytic medication and 40% required more information about surgery. The surgical procedure with more information was laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of anxiety was high and may decrease with further information and premedication to provide more information about the lesser known surgical procedures for patients is recommended in order to reduce anxiety and improve patient satisfaction.