The impact of anxiety experienced by patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement on perceived pain, self-efficacy, and body esteem in the perioperative period.

Abstract

Introduction: Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is currently one of the most commonly performed cardiac surgical procedures.

Aim: The study aimed to examine the relationship between anxiety, pain level, self-efficacy, and body esteem in the perioperative period among patients undergoing SAVR.

Material and methods: Prospective studies were carried out in a group of 66 patients. State and trait anxiety were assessed using the Polish version of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Pain was measured with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Self-efficacy was measured with the Self-Efficacy Gauge, and body esteem was measured with the Body Esteem Scale.

Results: The intensity of state anxiety experienced before surgery is higher in women. When assessing anxiety as a state during the preoperative period, a positive correlation with pain intensification after SAVR was identified. The intensity of state anxiety experienced by patients undergoing SAVR in the early postoperative period is similar to that experienced before surgery. The intensity of state anxiety significantly negatively correlates with self-efficacy following SAVR. Among male patients, the intensity of postoperatively pain negatively correlates with their assessment of body esteem concerning body strength and physical condition at the respective time point. There is a negative correlation between the intensity of state anxiety and in the assessment of body esteem concerning body strength and physical condition in the postoperative period.

Conclusions: The intensity of perioperative state anxiety is a factor influencing patients' quality of life and functioning in the immediate postoperative period, including the length of their hospitalization.