Prevalence and Predictors of Anesthesia-Related Anxiety and Fear in Surgical Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study in Zahedan, Iran

Introduction: Preoperative anxiety and fear of anesthesia are significant psychological burdens for surgical patients, yet their demographic predictors remain understudied in Middle Eastern populations. This study examined the prevalence and correlates of these stressors among first-time surgical patients in Iran.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, ۱۰۰ patients scheduled for first-time surgery at two Zahedan hospitals (۲۰۲۱–۲۰۲۲) completed validated questionnaires assessing anxiety and anesthesia-related fear. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and regression analyses.Results: The study revealed that ۷۴% of participants experienced clinically significant preoperative anxiety (mean score: ۱۳.۲۱ ± ۹.۰۴), with elevated fears related to procedural pain (۱.۶۴ ± ۱.۰۶), anesthesia needles (۱.۰۹ ± ۱.۱۶), and potential ICU admission (۱.۴۷ ± ۱.۳۷). Notably, patients with intermediate education levels (high school/diploma) exhibited significantly higher anxiety (p = ۰.۰۱۹) and fear (p < ۰.۰۰۱) compared to both less-educated and more-educated counterparts. While no significant associations were found with age, gender, or marital status (p > ۰.۰۵), a strong positive correlation was observed between general anxiety and anesthesia-specific fear (r = ۰.۴۲۲, p < ۰.۰۰۱).Conclusion: These findings highlight the high prevalence of preoperative psychological distress, particularly among patients with intermediate health literacy. The results underscore the need for tailored preoperative education programs targeting vulnerable subgroups to improve surgical experiences and outcomes.