Determinants of emotional status, mood, and well-being in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgical treatment

Abstract

Introduction: Hospitalisation affects patients' well-being. Surgery intensifies negative feelings because of risk of postoperative complications, fear of anaesthesia, and pain associated with surgery. Aim of the research: To analyse the impact of selected determinants (physical activity, self-dependence, and perceived pain) on the mood and well-being of patients treated with surgery. Material and methods: The study included 121 patients who had undergone a laparoscopic surgical operation (80 cholecystectomies and 41 appendectomies). The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) were applied. Results: Physically active patients presented with significantly better well-being (p = 0.015) and better emotional reaction to a disease (p = 0.017) than those who declared lack of physical activity. The ability to move independently significantly increased the patient's mood (p = 0.030) and the level of emotional reaction to a disease (p < 0.0005). The presence of pain negatively affected the patient's mood (p = 0.032). Patients presented reduced mood and increased level of anxiety. Conclusions: The presence of symptoms associated with surgery, such as pain and decreased physical fitness, negatively affect mood, well-being, and emotional reaction to a disease in patients treated with surgery. A greater degree of self-dependence increases patients' mood, well-being, and emotional reaction to disease.