Iran Journal of Nursing

  Abstract

  Background & Aim: Providing protection strategies against depression or anxiety after coronary artery bypass surgery has been recommend by different studies. Accordingly this study was conducted to investigate the relationship between perceived social support and depression and anxiety before and after surgery in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft in 2012.

  Material & Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed through convenience sampling with 105 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft admitted to the Dr. Lavasani hospital in 2012. After completing the perceived social support, anxiety and depression questionnaires, patients were assigned to three groups (low, medium and high social support) then One week after surgery, patients were again asked to complete questionnaires for depression and anxiety. Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistical (chi-square, t-test and ANOVA) using SPSS-PC (v. 16).

  Results: The majority of patients were male (55.2%) and married (83%). The mean score of perceived social support was 57.49, the mean score of pre and post- operative depression was 13.62± 6, 16.97± 7.88 respectively and the mean score of pre and post-operative anxiety was 21.8 ± 8.95, 17.79 ± 7.49 respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the three groups of patients (low, medium and high perceived social support) in terms of depression and anxiety (P< 0.000). In other words, the mean depression and anxiety in patients with low perceived social support was higher than the other two groups .

  Conclusion: There was a statistically significant relationship between perceived social support and depression and anxiety in patient undergoing coronary artery bypass grafts. Accordingly it seems crucial to recognize and improve these patients’ social support resources.

  Received: 18 Jul 2013

  Accepted: 19 Oct 2013