Effect of Preoperative Audiovisual Information on Perioperative Anxiety in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: Preoperative anxiety is a prevalent concern among pediatric patients undergoing surgery, often resulting in adverse psychological and physiological outcomes. Audiovisual interventions have demonstrated considerable potential in alleviating anxiety and enhancing perioperative experiences. Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 84 children aged 3–8 years scheduled for elective day surgery. Participants were divided into two groups: the control group (no audiovisual intervention) and the video group (informative animation about anesthesia). Preoperative and postoperative anxiety levels, anesthesia mask compliance, and parental satisfaction were assessed using validated scales. Results: The video group demonstrated significantly lower preoperative anxiety scores, improved compliance during anesthesia induction, and higher parental satisfaction compared with the control group (p<0.05). However, no significant differences were observed between the groups regarding postoperative recovery, agitation, or pain scores. Conclusion: Preoperative audiovisual education is an effective, non-invasive method to reduce anxiety and enhance parental satisfaction in pediatric patients undergoing surgery. Further research is needed to explore its long-term psychological effects and integration into routine clinical practice. Keywords: Pediatric anesthesia, sedation, preoperative information