Honors Theses
Date of Award
2006
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Health, Exercise Science, and Recreation Management
First Advisor
Ed Acevedo
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
Evidence suggests that lower levels of stress may negatively impact the healing process and tissue repair after surgery. The purpose of the investigation was to assess the effectiveness of a pre-operative educational program on reducing pre-operative and post¬ operative anxiety levels for patients having orthopedic surgery. Three subjects volunteered to participate in this study. The State Anxiety Inventory, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Perceived Stress Scale questionnaires all showed that Subject 1 (treatment subject) did not have the highest anxiety or stress levels. In addition. cortisol levels were lower in Subject 1. Furthermore, Subject 1 was the most confident in the physician and health care providers. Conversely, Subject 1 also reported being the most upset about her surgery. Future research assessing the use of pre-operative education on reducing anxiety and cortisol levels prior to and following surgery is warranted. A more valid examination of the benefits of the pre-operative educational information should include a greater number of subjects and patients who have not been exposed to any type of surgery or been in a hospital environment. As Spalding suggests. the ultimate goal of pre-operative education is “making the unknown familiar” (Spalding, 2003).
Recommended Citation
Balducci, Lou Ann, "The Effects of a Pre-Operative Education Program on Anxiety and Cortisol Levels Prior to and Following Surgery" (2006). Honors Theses. 1944.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/1944
Accessibility Status
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