Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to elucidate the characteristics of health-related quality of life (QOL), anxiety, and depression in elective surgery patients before hospitalization, during examinations prior to surgery under anesthesia.
Methods: A self-completed questionnaire using an 8-item short-form (SF-8) survey and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was conducted on 201 elective surgery patients before hospitalization for surgery under general anesthesia. The questionnaires were completed during examinations prior to surgery under anesthesia. Descriptive statistics were calculated for SF-8 and HADS scores, and the t-test or one-way analysis of variance was conducted for a comparison by attributes.
Results: For the SF-8 summary score, the mean physical component summary (PCS) of elective surgery patients before hospitalization was 45.8 ± 9.2 and the mean mental component summary (MCS) score was 47.4 ± 8.2. These scores were lower than the standard score for the Japanese population. The MCS score was significantly lower in women in particular than in men. For HADS, the mean anxiety score was 5.7 ± 4.1 and the mean depression score was 5.9 ± 3.8. The anxiety score was higher in people aged 40 years or older.
Conclusion: Health-related QOL decreased in elective surgery patients before hospitalization. The mental state of late middleaged and older women in particular was unstable, suggesting the need for support based on mental state and social roles.
