Screening preoperative anxiety – when does it relate to the quality of life among patients before total joint replacement? Preliminary reports

Abstract

background Anxiety among patients undergoing joint replacement increases the risk of post-surgery complications and mental health problems, and impairs health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Since clinical procedures require adequate, but possibly simple and cost-saving tools, an augmenting application of a one-item visual analogue scale for anxiety (VAS-A) has been observed. The purpose of the present study is to validate the VAS-A using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and consider both as HRQoL predictors among patients waiting for total joint replacement.