Variations in Factors Responsible for Pre-operative Anxiety among Black and White Surgical Patients: Considerations for Diversity Interventions

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue VII, July 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186

Variations in Factors Responsible for Pre-operative Anxiety among Black and White Surgical Patients: Considerations for Diversity Interventions

Sabo Saleh Dagona (PhD), Uduak Archibong
Department of Sociology, Yobe State University, PMB 1144, Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria

Abstract:-
Introduction: Surgery is stressful and anxiety provoking. Different factors have been reported as causing anxiety prior to surgery. Studies have found that, fears of anaesthesia, death; surgical errors and concerns about the outcome of the surgery are responsible for preoperative anxiety. These factors were reported in studies conducted with white surgical patients. There is paucity of information about factors causing preoperative anxiety among black surgical patients.
Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the differences in the factors responsible for preoperative anxiety among black and white surgical patients and to describe the difference(s) if any with a view to recommending culture competent preoperative anxiety reduction interventions.
Method:
Participants: A convenience sampling approach was used to recruit a sample of thirty patients scheduled to undergo elective surgery at federal medical centre Nguru, Yobe state, Nigeria.
Data Collection: Interview method was used to collect data on factors responsible for preoperative anxiety among black surgical patients in Nigeria.
Data Analysis: Inductive content analysis was used to analyse interview data collected from black patients scheduled to undergo elective surgery in Nigeria.
Findings: This study found that in white surgical patients, anxiety is precipitated by fear of medication errors, concerns about the success of the surgery, hospital acquired infections and lack of control of the situation. Conversely, the manner in which black patients receive information about the need to have surgery, the information received from other sources, catastrophic negative thinking about surgery and the layout of the hospital ward are responsible for preoperative anxiety.
Conclusion: Cultural differences underpin factors responsible for preoperative anxiety among black and white surgical patients. This speaks to the need for cultural competence in clinicians dealing with preoperative anxiety in black surgical patients.

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