Preoperative Patient Characteristics and Comorbidity Patterns in a South Indian Tertiary Care Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Demographic characteristics and preexisting comorbidities significantly influence perioperative risk and outcomes. Understanding these variables is crucial for optimizing surgical planning and anesthetic care, particularly in resource-limited settings. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India, involving 500 adult patients undergoing elective and emergency surgeries between January and March 2025. Data on age, gender, BMI, socioeconomic status, education level, and comorbidities were collected using structured proformas and anesthesia records. Associations between demographic variables and comorbidities were analyzed using chi-square tests, with a p-value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Most patients were aged 18 to 60 years (87%), female (53.2%), and either overweight (45%) or obese (27.6%). Comorbidities such as hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus (DM), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) showed significant associations with age and BMI. The prevalence of HTN was 81.3% in patients aged 41 to 60 years and reached a peak of 84.8% among those with obesity class II. The prevalence of DM exceeded 85% in patients over 40 years. The prevalence of CVD peaked at 61.9% in the 61 to 80-year group and was notably higher in patients with low education levels. Chronic kidney disease and respiratory disorders were also significantly associated with age, BMI, and socioeconomic status. Bronchial respiratory disease was more common in males (p = 0.037). No statistically significant associations were identified for thyroid disorders. Conclusions: In surgical patients, age and BMI are significant predictors of HTN, DM, and CVS. A comprehensive preoperative assessment that includes demographic and socioeconomic factors can improve perioperative risk stratification and enhance patient safety.