Translation and validation of the Amsterdam preoperative anxiety and information scale (APAIS) for use in Japan

Preoperative anxiety is a very common phenomenon that adversely affects a patient's physical and psychological outcome. To evaluate subjective complaints such as anxiety, use of a validated psychological instrument is essential. In this study, we translated, culturally adapted and validated the Amsterdam preoperative anxiety and information scale (APAIS) for use in Japan. One hundred and twenty-six preoperative patients participated in this cross-sectional study. The psychometric properties of the APAIS evaluated by factor analysis, correlation with the state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) and Cronbach's alpha were very similar to those of the original Dutch and English versions. Female gender and a high information requirement were associated with high preoperative anxiety. In conclusion, the Japanese version of the APAIS is a valid and reliable instrument for screening Japanese patients for preoperative anxiety and information requirements. Female gender and high information requirement may be associated with high preoperative anxiety.