[Preoperative psychological experience and beliefs in adult patients scheduled for surgery at the University Hospital of Parakou in Benin]

Abstract

Objective: To study the preoperative psychological experience and beliefs in adult patients scheduled for surgery at the University Hospital of Parakou.

Patients and methods: A descriptive and analytical study with prospective data collection conducted over three months (June 1st to August 30, 2012) and involved 75 patients.

Results: Of the 108 patients scheduled for surgery, 75 patients (69.44%) had been chosen. The average age was 44.11±16.24 years with a male predominance (56%). Fifty-five patients (73.3%) were anxious and 32 patients (46.7%) were afraid of dying. Forty-five patients (60%) had not received any information about the procedure they should undergo and 60 patients (80%) were not informed of the possible complications of surgery. Fifty-eight patients (77.3%) were aware of the anesthetic technique and 5.2% of patients were aware of the possible complications of anesthesia. In 56 patients (74.7%), the disease was of natural origin, in 18.6% of cases there was an enchantment and 5 patients (6.7%) the disease is due to a deity. In the context of spiritual care, 15 patients (20%) had consulted a marabout, 11 patients (14.7%) a healer and 10 patients (13.3) a fetish.

Conclusion: The preoperative period induces a significant burden of anxiety among patients and their families. In Benin, the announcement of surgery is an opportunity for confrontation of the patient to an obsession with death which he manages to escape despite the countless sacrifices of traditional conjuring.

Keywords: Elective surgery; Intervention chirurgicale programmée; Preoperative period; Psychological experience; Période préopératoire; Vécu psychologique.