Postoperative Anxiety and Depression Among Older Chinese Patients

A multicenter, prospective observational study to describe the socioeconomic characteristics and the occurrence of postoperative anxiety and depression in the Chinese old population.

As China's population ages, the proportion of elderly people undergoing surgery increases. Perioperative anxiety and depression, particularly in elderly patients, is common and associated with multiple medical and social adversities. Previous studies have found a 31 percent risk of anxiety and 29 percent risk of depression in older perioperative patients. However, nationally representative epidemiological data for postoperative anxiety and depression, in particular elderly patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery, are unavailable in China. Therefore, providing nationwide epidemiological data on postoperative anxiety and depression in Chinese elderly patients provides a valuable opportunity for policy makers and health care professionals to optimize the management of geriatric mental health in China.