Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

Understanding Surgical Anxiety: A Mixed-Methods Study on Pediatric and Adult Patients

Yue SuBeijing No.4 High School*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

Anxiety is common in surgical patients and can negatively impact recovery and treatment outcomes. Children are particularly prone to intense perioperative anxiety, yet clinical practice often prioritizes medical safety over emotional support. This mixed-methods study combined 102 patient questionnaires with six semi-structured interviews involving medical staff, patients, and their families. Anxiety levels were evaluated across preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative stages, while qualitative data explored the causes of anxiety and staff coping strategies. Children reported higher anxiety than adults, with the greatest increase observed in those under general anesthesia, whose postoperative anxiety scores rose by about 9% compared with preoperative levels. Local anesthesia and parental presence were linked to lower anxiety in children. Preoperative anxiety strongly predicted postoperative discomfort. Interviews identified causes such as disorientation during anesthesia recovery, separation anxiety in post-anesthesia care units, insufficient direct communication with children, and postoperative physical discomfort. Effective perioperative care requires preoperative psychological assessment, child-friendly post-anesthesia care unit environments, and standardized emotional support strategies. Tailoring care to age and anesthesia type—addressing both physical and psychological needs—can reduce anxiety and improve patient outcomes. By integrating patient experiences with medical staff practices, this study offers evidence-based guidance for enhancing perioperative care.

Keywords: surgical anxiety; pediatric patients; general anesthesia; emotional comfort; mixed methods
Published: November 5, 2025
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2025.HT29324
Volume: CHR Vol.95
pp. 166-173
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