Determining the Relationship between Surgical Anxiety Level, Type A Personality and Health Literacy

Abstract

Although it has been emphasised for many years that there is a Type A personality that has negative effects on health, contrary to popular belief, this has been rejected in recent studies. The effect of Type A personality on health literacy and on surgical anxiety level is a matter of curiosity. This study aimed to determine the relationship between surgical anxiety level, Type A personality and health literacy. The method used was a descriptive cross-sectional study with 250 patients. The total score averages of the patients’ Type A personality, surgical anxiety, and health literacy were determined as 74.50±22.51, 42.80±13.61, and 85.48±17.19, respectively. There was a positive moderately significant relationship between Type A personality and surgical anxiety, and a weakly significant positive relationship between Type A personality and health literacy. It was determined that there was a weak and negative correlation between health literacy and surgical anxiety. This study is possibly the first to reveal the relationship between surgical anxiety level, Type A personality and health literacy. Type A personality and health literacy were evaluated as two parameters that affect surgical anxiety level. Although the patients’ personality is not critical for surgery, it can significantly affect their treatment adherence later on. In the preoperative period, determining the patients’ personality characteristics and health literacy, and providing appropriate training and information under the leadership of health professionals, may be effective in reducing their surgical anxiety level.