Abstract:

Aim: Preoperative education is one of the methods used to reduce anxiety levels. This study was planned to investigate the effect of preoperative education on the anxiety levels of patients undergoing planned colorectal surgery with creation of an intestinal stoma. Method: The study population consisted of patients admitted to the general surgery department of a university hospital between 9 June 2013 and 15 August 2014 for planned colorectal surgery with stoma creation. The study sample consisted of 30 patients in the experimental group (received preoperative education) and 30 patients in the control group who met the inclusion criteria. Scheduled trainings were given to the experimental group during the preoperative period using a training booklet on stoma care. The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI form TX-1/2) was administered to all patients preoperatively and six months after surgery. Results: Mean age of the patients was 53.5±12.83 years in the experimental group, and 58.00±14.22 years in the control group. Mean preoperative STAI form TX-1 scores of the experimental and control groups were 37.10±3.57 and 42.70±2.02, respectively. Mean preoperative STAI form TX-2 scores in the experimental and control groups were 37.00±2.00 and 47.83±3.37, respectively. Six months after surgery, the experimental and control groups had mean STAI form TX-1 scores of 37.17±5.38 and 41.93±3.02 and mean STAI form TX-2 scores of 39.73±5.02 and 48.00±2.33, respectively. Preoperative STAI form TX-1 and 6-month postoperative STAI form TX-1/2 scores were significantly higher in the control group than in the experimental group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results obtained, patients who underwent stoma surgery experienced anxiety, and preoperative education decreased patients’ anxiety levels in the postoperative period.

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