[A transversal study on preoperative anxiety in children: use of the modified Yale scale.].

Background And Objectives: Scales can be useful to recognize anxiety states and to indicate ways to prevent complications due to elevated levels of anxiety. The modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (YPAS-m) was developed to evaluate anxiety in preschool children at the time of the anesthetic induction. It is an observational scale, being applied and completed in a short period of time. Studies on anxiety in children in the preoperative period do not mention anxiety at the preanesthetic evaluation. This transversal study tried to evaluate the level and prevalence of anxiety at the preanesthetic evaluation and in the clinical evaluation using the YPAS-m in preschool children.

Methods: One hundred children, physical status ASA I and II were evaluated; G PED = 50 children undergoing clinical evaluation; G PEC = 50 children undergoing preanesthetic evaluation for surgery. The study was conducted at the pediatric clinic and preanesthetic evaluation waiting-room while the children waited for their appointment. Two observers applied the YPAS-m independently. Parameters analyzed included the demographic data; and median and percentage of patients with anxiety (YPAS-m > 30). Statistical analysis considered a p < 0.05 significant.

Results: The groups were homogenous regarding the socio-demographic data. The mean ages were: G PED 4.25 and G PEC 4.67 years. There was a significant difference in the median of the YPAS-m (G PED 23.4 and G PEC 50.0) and on the prevalence of anxiety between both groups (G PED 16.7% and G PEC 81.6%).

Conclusions: In children between 2 and 7 years the levels and prevalence of anxiety, evaluated by the YPAS-m, at the time of the outpatient preanesthetic evaluation are higher than at the time of the clinical evaluation.