Selected determinants of attitude towards surgery in abdominal aortic aneurysm patients

Abstract

Aim of the study was to find out whether there is a correlation between the attitude to surgery and self-efficacy, health locus of control, and own life quality assessment in abdominal aortic aneurysm patients. Material and methods: Thirty-six consecutive asymptomatic AAA patients qualified for elective surgery were examined. The group included 11 women and 25 men, aged 49-85 years. Four scales were applied: the Generalised Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC), and a scale to find the attitude to surgery, in which "-10" stands for the maximally negative attitude, "0" - neutral, and "+10" - maximally positive. Results: Correlations between attitude towards surgery, type of surgical procedure, and repeatability of hospitalisation proved to be statistically insignificant (Χ2 test values were, respectively: 9.773, p < 0.878; 6.353, p < 0.608). It was found that on average the attitude to surgery varied (SD = 6.6); however, it was generally positive and oscillated around the average (M = 6.5). The mean value of self-efficacy was high (M = 33.64, SD = 4.75). External personal health locus of control was predominant (M = 26.44, SD = 4.675), the runner- up was internal health locus of control (M = 25.08, SD = 4.02), and the last one was external impersonal health locus of control (fate/chance) (M = 24.03, SD = 4.66). The mean assessment of one's own life quality proved to be above average (M = 23.25) but varied (SD = 6.65). Conclusions: The higher the personal resources (such as self-efficacy, the assessment of own life quality, and the internal health locus of control), the more positive the attitude towards surgery. External personal health locus of control in patients before surgery is predominant, which indicates the role of medical professionals in communication with patients.