Relationship between Temperament and Anxiety before Cesarean Section

Abstract

Background and purpose: Anxiety before Cesarean section (C-section) is one of the common disorders that is caused by different reasons. According to Iranian traditional medicine, temperament indicates the specific characteristics of each person and its understanding is of great benefit in prevention and treatment of diseases and implementing interventions. The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between temperament and anxiety before C-section. Materials and methods: This descriptive analytical study was conducted in 327 pregnant women candidates for C-section in Kerman, Iran 2020-2021. Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Salmannezhad Temperament (Mizaj) Questionnaire were completed at gynecology ward before C-section. Analysis of quantitative data was done applying ANOVA and T-test and analysis of qualitative variables was done using Chi-square test in SPSS V21. Results: The average age of pregnant women was 29.24±6.33 years and 37.3% were experiencing their second pregnancy. The mean scores for latent anxiety before C-section in cold-tempered mothers and warm-tempered mothers were 54.43±8.29 and 34.44±9.81, respectively, (P=0.001). Conclusion: The level of latent anxiety before C-section was higher in cold-tempered mothers than warm-tempered and moderate-tempered mothers. Therefore, necessary measures considering traditional medicine are recommended for cold-tempered mothers before surgery.

Keywords

• anxiety
• caesarean section
• temperament