Abstract:
Background: Psychological issues are a major concern that need to be addressed while
handling patients. Some of the psychological issues common among preoperative patients are
fear, anxiety, uncertainty, and depressive symptoms
Objectives: This study sought to assess the effectiveness of preoperative structured teaching
in reducing preoperative anxiety and preoperative depressive symptoms among adult
preoperative patients.
Materials and methods: This study used a pre-test post-test study design. Data was collected
using a researcher-developed questionnaire (Appendix 1) and the Hospital Anxiety and
Depression Scale (HADS) (Appendix 2). Data analysis was done through the Statistical
Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) software version 29.0. Data presentation after analysis
was done with the utilization of tables, pie charts, and textual descriptions.
Findings: Structured education significantly impacted the participants' A-scores
(Anxiety scores): t= (80) = 13.029, P<.001. Equally, there was a decrease in the D Score (Depressive symptoms scores) after the intervention (M = 3.48, SD = 2.48)
and D-Score After (M = 1.91, SD = 1.97) scores, t (80) = 8.754, p < .001
Conclusion and recommendations: The findings from this study showed a statistically
significant difference between pre-intervention and postintervention scores of depressive and
anxiety symptoms. This concludes that preoperative education effectively improved
depressive and anxiety symptoms among patients waiting for surgery. Future research could
explore the effect of individualized education on anxiety and depressive symptoms in
preoperative patients.
