The impact of anxiety experienced by patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass surgery on perceived pain, self-efficacy and body esteem in the perioperative period

Abstract

Introduction Despite the large amount of researches addressed the issue of the relationship between the intensity of preoperative symptoms of depression and/ or anxiety with their postoperative intensity and any complications after surgery, there have been almost unaddressed such subjects as how the patients perceive their own capabilities or physical attractiveness, and the emotions which are evoked by various aspects of their own bodies, including postoperative scars. These aspects play a significant role in assessing the quality of patients’ life and have a significant impact on the overall assessment of the surgery as an event, in both the short- and long-term perspective. Aim To evaluate the relationship between anxiety, pain level, self-efficacy and body esteem in the pre- and postoperative periods among patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass surgery. Material and methods Prospective studies were carried out in a group of 50 patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass surgery, either on a planned or urgent basis. Anxiety, both as a state and as a trait, was assessed using the Polish version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was employed to evaluate pain. The Self-Efficacy Gauge measured self-efficacy, while the Body Esteem Scale assessed body esteem. Results and Conclusions The intensity of state anxiety significantly negatively correlated with self-efficacy following CABG surgery. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the intensity of painand self-efficacy in the postoperative period. Among female patients, the intensity of pain, both pre- and post-operatively, negatively correlated with their assessment of body esteem concerning physical condition at the respective time points. When assessing anxiety as a trait during the perioperative period, a positive correlation with pain intensification after CABG was identified.