Introduction

Hospitalisation affects patients’ well-being. Surgery intensifies negative feelings because of risk of postoperative complications, fear of anaesthesia, and pain associated with surgery.

Aim of the research

To analyse the impact of selected determinants (physical activity, self-dependence, and perceived pain) on the mood and well-being of patients treated with surgery.

Material and methods

The study included 121 patients who had undergone a laparoscopic surgical operation (80 cholecystectomies and 41 appendectomies). The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) were applied.

Results

Physically active patients presented with significantly better well-being (p = 0.015) and better emotional reaction to a disease (p = 0.017) than those who declared lack of physical activity. The ability to move independently significantly increased the patient’s mood (p = 0.030) and the level of emotional reaction to a disease (p < 0.0005). The presence of pain negatively affected the patient’s mood (p = 0.032). Patients presented reduced mood and increased level of anxiety.

Conclusions

The presence of symptoms associated with surgery, such as pain and decreased physical fitness, negatively affect mood, well-being, and emotional reaction to a disease in patients treated with surgery. A greater degree of self-dependence increases patients’ mood, well-being, and emotional reaction to disease.