A Comparative Analysis of Anxiety, Depression, and Coping Mechanisms Among Preoperative Male and Female Patients at Holy Family Hospital

Abstract

Background: The preoperative period is a psychologically stressful time, often accompanied by anxiety, depression, and varying coping responses. Gender differences in how these psychological challenges are managed remain underexplored in local contexts. This study assessed the gender differences in preoperative stress, anxiety, depression, fear, and coping mechanisms among general surgery patients in Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi.

Objectives: The objective of our study was to discover the differences in preoperative anxiety, depression, and handling mechanisms between male and female patients scheduled for surgery at Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 81 adult preoperative patients (40 males, 41 females) undergoing elective surgery. Data were collected using the PHQ-9, anxiety and fear assessment items, and selected items from the Brief COPE inventory. Independent samples t-tests, chi-square tests, and Pearson correlations were performed using SPSS version 27.

Results: Females reported significantly higher mean scores for anxiety (3.06 vs 1.88), fear (2.76 vs 1.80), depression (2.21 vs 1.42), and overall use of coping strategies (2.73 vs 2.27) than males (all p < 0.001). Emotion-focused and maladaptive coping styles were significantly more common among females, while problem-focused coping showed no significant gender difference. Strong correlations were observed among anxiety, fear, and depression scores.

Conclusion:  Compared to male patients, females demonstrated greater psychological distress and a higher tendency to utilize emotion-focused and maladaptive coping mechanisms. These results highlight the necessity for gender-sensitive psychological support in preoperative care.

Keywords: Preoperative, anxiety, depression, coping behavior, gender differences