An operation is undoubtedly a stressful event, which can induce emotional, cognitive and physiological reactions in preoperative patients. Aim of our study is to investigate the associations between the levels of state - trait anxiety and the demographics (gender and age) in patients prior a thoracic surgery.

Seventy-six (57 males and 19 females) patients, with ASA I-III and with mean age 45.65±15.17 years were included in the study. All subjects fulfilled the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (SSTAI), 12 - 15 hours before the thoracic surgery.

Mean state and trait anxiety scores were 42.35±11.50 and 38.55±9.03, respectively and presented a strong positive correlation (Pearson Correlation, p< 0.001, r=0.585). Percentages of 30.3% and 13.2% of the sample were presented with clinically significant anxiety levels (t-test, p=0.001). Females appeared with higher state (t-test, p=0.001) and trait (t-test, p=0.076) anxiety scores compared to males. As to age, we observed a negative correlation with the levels of state and trait anxiety. (Pearson Correlation, p=0.05, r=-0,226 and p=0.006, r=-0.313, respectively).

Our findings suggest that females and younger patients are more vulnerable to anxiety symptoms prior a thoracic surgery. Thus, gender and age should be taken into account for the preoperative assessment in order to develop supportive psychological interventions.