THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PREOPERATIVE PAIN BELIEFS AND SURGICAL FEAR WITH POSTOPERATIVE PAIN IN SURGICAL PATIENTS

Authors : Hatice Demirdağ, Öykü Ergül, Hatice Öner Cengiz, Meftun Akgün
Pages : 132-137
Doi:10.52831/kjhs.1745748
View : 150 | Download : 260
Publication Date : 2025-12-30
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Objective: The study aimed to examine the relationship between preoperative surgical fear and pain beliefs and pain scores recorded in the first 24 hours after surgery. Method: A descriptive and correlational research design was employed in the study. The study included 292 surgical patients who underwent surgery in the general surgery clinic of a training and research hospital. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the Patient Identification Form, Visual Analog Scale-Pain, Pain Beliefs Questionnaire, and Surgical Fear Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the SPSS program. Results: In the first 24 hours after surgery, the patients\\\' mean pain and surgical fear level scores were found to be low, and the mean pain beliefs subscale scores were found to be moderate. A significant correlation was found between patients\\\' pain level and surgical fear mean scores (r=.28, p<.001), while no significant correlation was found with pain belief mean scores (r=.04, p=0.44). Patients\\\' pain levels were also found to differ significantly according to gender (p<.01), chronic disease (p<.05), surgical interventions (p<.001), and type of surgery (p<.05). Conclusion: In this study, a significant relationship was identified between preoperative surgical fear and postoperative pain intensity. Accordingly, systematic assessment of fear levels during the preoperative period is essential, particularly for providing early information, psychological support, and the development of appropriate coping strategies for high-risk patients. It is considered that such multidisciplinary approaches will facilitate patients\\\' adaptation to the surgical process and optimize clinical outcomes.
Keywords : Preoperatif Bakım, Korku, Postoperatif Bakım, Ağrı, Hemşirelik Bakımı

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