Material and Method: The authors assessed preoperative anxiety in 383 women who were about to receive D&C by using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and questionnaires to assess specific concern toward this operation.

Results: Prevalence of preoperative anxiety was 23.2%. Among the pregnant subjects, preoperative anxiety was associated with concern over being approached in lithotomy position and concern with the procedure. For the non-pregnant subjects, high preoperative pain score, marital status, having no medical expense reimbursement, distrust in medical personnel, concern over being approached in lithotomy position, and intra-operative pain are associated with anxiety.

Conclusion: Preoperative anxiety is quite common among this group of patients. Understanding the underlying specific concern of women who are about to receive D&C will help medical personnel to provide more effective management strategies in making the patients more comfortable.

Keywords: Preoperative, Anxiety, Depression, Dilatation and curettage