Prevalence and factors associated with preoperative anxiety among patients undergoing surgery in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives This review aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of preoperative anxiety and its associated factors among patients undergoing surgery in low/middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods We searched PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, Embase and PsychINFO to identify peer-reviewed studies on the prevalence and factors associated with preoperative anxiety among patients undergoing surgery using predefined eligibility criteria. Studies were pooled to estimate the prevalence of preoperative anxiety using a random-effect meta-analysis model. Heterogeneity was assessed using I² statistics. Funnel plot asymmetry and Egger’s regression tests were used to check for publication bias. Result Our search identified 2110 studies, of which 27 studies from 12 countries with 5575 participants were included in the final meta-analysis. Of the total 27 studies, 11 used the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory to screen anxiety, followed by the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information scale, used by four studies. The pooled prevalence of preoperative anxiety among patients undergoing surgery in LMICs was 55.7% (95% CI 48.60 to 62.93). Our subgroup analysis found that a higher pooled prevalence of preoperative anxiety was found among female surgical patients (59.36%, 95% CI 48.16 to 70.52, I 2 =95.43, p<0.001) and studies conducted in Asia (62.59%, 95% CI 48.65 to 76.53, I 2 =97.48, p<0.001). Conclusion Our meta-analysis indicated that around one in two patients undergoing surgery in LMICs suffer from preoperative anxiety, which needs due attention. Routine screening of preoperative anxiety symptoms among patients scheduled for surgery is vital. PROSPERO registration number CRD42020161934.