Abstract
Objective
Preoperative anxiety is common in patients undergoing elective cesarean section and may worsen perioperative outcomes. This study evaluated whether a structured preoperative educational video (SPEV) reduces maternal anxiety, as measured by the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) and the quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG)-derived theta-beta ratio (TBR).Methods
Ninety primigravida women undergoing elective cesarean section with spinal anaesthesia were randomized to a video group (n = 45; SPEV plus routine counseling) or a control group (n = 45; routine counseling only). APAIS was measured at baseline and 30 minutes before surgery. Parietal TBR was recorded at baseline, 30 minutes before surgery, and 1 hour after surgery. Groups were compared using appropriate non-parametric tests, and the correlation between subjective and QEEG-derived measures was assessed.Results
Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. At 30 minutes before surgery, APAIS scores were lower in the video group than in the control group [11.0 (9.0-12.0) vs. 14.0 (12.0-16.0); P P P P=0.48, P P=0.021).Conclusion
A SPEV significantly reduced preoperative anxiety in women undergoing elective cesarean section, as demonstrated by both subjective and QEEG-derived measures, and was associated with reduced intraoperative anxiolytic requirements.