Evaluation of the effect of parental presence on anxiety among paediatric patients during induction of general anaesthesia at Intermediate Hospital Oshakati: A cross-sectional quasi experimental trial
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Date
2025
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
Introduction: Parental presence reduces children’s anxiety, improve the anaesthetic
induction and has been shown to increase parental satisfaction This study
investigated the impact of parental presence on preoperative anxiety and cooperation
among paediatric patients undergoing general anaesthesia induction.
Methodology: A cross-sectional quasi-experimental trial was conducted at
Intermediate Hospital Oshakati, involving 104 pediatric patients aged 2 to 10 years
undergoing elective minor and major operations. Anxiety levels were assessed using
the Modified YALE Preoperative Anxiety Score (mYPAS) in both the waiting area
and theatre, while induction compliance was measured using the Induction
Compliance Checklist (ICC). Statistical analysis included Welch's t-test and Chi Square Test, with a critical significance level of 0.05.
Results: Results indicated that parental presence during induction significantly
improved pediatric cooperation (p<0.001) and reduced anxiety levels in the theatre (p
< 0.001. Moreover, notable differences in anxiety levels and compliance were
observed between different age groups. Younger children (2 to 5 years) displayed
higher anxiety levels in the theatre compared to older children (6 to 10 years) with P value 0.004. Interestingly, no significant differences in anxiety levels or compliance
were found between patients undergoing minor and major surgeries.
Conclusion: The study underscores the significance of considering both parental
presence and age when managing anxiety and promoting cooperation in pediatric
patients undergoing inhalational induction. Age also plays a role, with younger
children experiencing higher theatre anxiety.
Recommendations: The findings suggest promoting parental presence, developing
age-specific strategies, and providing pre-operative education to alleviate anxiety and
enhance cooperation among pediatric patients
Description
A thesis in partial fulfilment for the requirements for the Degree of Master of Medicine (Anesthesiology, Critical care and Pain management)
Keywords
Paediatric, Preoperative anxiety, Parental presence, Anaesthesia induction, Age-specific strategies, Namibia, University of Namibia