Preoperative anxiety and coping strategies among adult surgical patients at St. Martins De Porres Hospital, Eikwe

Preoperative anxiety is common among surgical patients and has significant implications for recovery, including increased postoperative complications, longer hospital stays, and reduced patient satisfaction. In Ghana and similar low- and middle-income countries, little is known about patients’ preoperative experiences and coping mechanisms. This study explored the lived experiences of preoperative anxiety and coping strategies employed by adult surgical patients at St. Martin’s De Porres Hospital, Eikwe, Ghana. A descriptive phenomenological qualitative design was adopted for this study, with 15 adult surgical patients comprising of 12 females and 3 males within the ages of 19–54 years . These participants were sampled purposiv e ly and recruited within four weeks after their surgery. Semi-structured interviews were carried out and analyzed thematically using Colaizzi’s seven-step framework with NVivo 12. Three overarching themes were identified: manifestations of preoperative anxiety, characterized by fear, sadness, sleep disturbances, and restlessness; triggers of anxiety, including concerns about postoperative pain, fear of complications or death, and lack of prior surgical experience; forms of preparation, comprising physical, physiological, and psychological preparation; and coping strategies, which encompassed problem-focused approaches (hope and faith), emotion-focused strategies (music therapy), and person–environment interactions through family support. The study highlights the need for healthcare providers to recognize preoperative anxiety as a critical component of surgical care. Strengthening psychosocial and spiritual support, alongside clinical interventions, may improve patient outcomes and overall surgical experiences.