Religiousness and preoperative anxiety: a correlational study

This survey is a correlational study to assess the relationship between religious beliefs and preoperative anxiety of patients undergoing abdominal, orthopaedic, and gynaecologic surgery in educational hospitals. We used the convenience sampling method. The data collection instruments included a questionnaire containing the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and another questionnaire formulated by the researcher with queries on religious beliefs and demographic characteristics as well as disease-related information. Analysis of the data was carried out with SPSS software using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results were arranged in three tables.The findings showed that almost all the subjects had high level of religiosity and moderate level of anxiety. In addition, there was an inverse relationship between religiosity and intensity of anxiety, though this was not statistically significant.The results of this study can be used as evidence for presenting religious counselling and spiritual interventions for individuals undergoing stress. Finally, based on the results of this study, the researcher suggested some recommendations for applying results and conducting further research.It is widely accepted that people awaiting surgery experience anxiety [1]. Anticipation of postoperative pain, separation from the family, loss of independence as well as fear of surgery and death are factors triggering symptoms of preoperative anxiety.Incidences of preoperative anxiety have been reported in 11% to 80% of adult patients. Consequently, there has been a growing interest in the possible influences of preoperative anxiety on the course and outcomes of surgical treatments, as well as in the study of anxiety-reducing interventions [2].Most surgeons postpone operations in cases with high anxiety [3]. Therefore, the importance of anxiety in surgery patients shows the necessity of its prevention.When physical illness strikes, religion and spirituality become imp