Abstract:

Aim: This study aimed to determine the fear and anxiety levels of patients related to COVID-19 who underwent thoracic surgery which requires direct contact with the lungs and directly affects the respiratory system, and the factors affecting them during the prolonged pandemic. Methods: The sample of this cross-sectional study consisted of 86 patients who were hospitalized in the thoracic surgery ward of a university hospital and underwent elective surgery. The data in the study were collected using “Descriptive Characteristics Form”, “Factors Affecting COVID-19 Fear and Anxiety of Patients Undergoing Thoracic Surgery”, “Coronavirus Fear Scale (CFS)” and “Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS)” between 30 June and 15 August 2021. Results: In the study, patients who underwent thoracic surgery had a CFS score of 21.65±6.58 and a CAS score of 6.36±5.45. The age of the patients and the status of having COVID-19 infection affected the CFS score (p<0.05). It was determined that the mean scores of CFS and CAS were higher in patients who thought that the hospital admission process was delayed, who were affected by their relatives staying in the hospital as a companion, the use of an informed consent form specific to COVID-19, and the use of personal protective equipment during the surgery, and the patients who were worried about having lung-related surgery (p<0.05). In addition, in the study, a high level of positive correlation was found between the mean scores of CFS and CAS (r=0.745; p<0.05). Conclusion: In the study, it was found that patients underwent thoracic surgery experienced moderate fear and anxiety of COVID-19, and anxiety increased as the fear of COVID-19 increased. In this context, it can be recommended that surgical nurses inform patients about the factors that increase the fear of COVID-19, thus preventing complications that may develop due to an increase in anxiety level and taking an active role in preparing patients for early discharge.