The relationship between pain, anxiety, and comfort, and the predictors of comfort in patients undergoing radial angiography

Background This study aims to determine the relationship between comfort and patients' pain, anxiety levels, and predictors of comfort undergoing radial angiography (RAG). A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. Methods The study included 291 patients who underwent radial angiography between February and June 2022. Data were collected using the Sociodemographic Characteristics form, Perianesthesia Comfort Scale (PCS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results Analysis revealed a weak negative correlation between pain and comfort (r = -0.116, p = 0.048) and a weak positive correlation between pain and state anxiety (r = -0.126, p = 0.032). Comfort levels were 5.752 times higher in patients who underwent angiography only compared to those who received stent or balloon implantation, and 4.527 times higher in patients who underwent angiography only for follow-up compared to those with acute myocardial infarction (p < 0.05). Conclusion Patient comfort decreases as pain increases, and pain levels following radial angiography are moderate. The perception of pain during RAG procedures is a key factor that directly influences patient comfort.