Introduction. A problem is defined as a disruption in the process of a human’s basic activity which leads to a lower probability of the
realization of the assumed tasks. Depending on the type of disruptions, assumed to be the source of problems, there are a few kinds of
problems: deprivation, threat, frustration, irritation, conflicts and overload. During hospitalization the patient is exposed to a number of
problems which, as a result, can cause stress that is perceived as a positive phenomenon which enables us to adapt to a certain situation and
stimulates action, as well as a negative phenomenon which leads to body exhaustion. Illness is at the top place of the list of life problems that
are significantly stress-inducing and is followed by death of a loved one and divorce. This paper’s goal was to determine what the problems
of hospitalized patients in the surgical ward are, if any.

Materials and methods. The study was conducted on 179 patients (83 men — 46,4% and 96 women — 53,6%) treated in a surgical ward.
A diagnostic poll method with the use of the author’s questionnaire was applied. Calculated chi-square statistics (Pearson’s c2 and c2 with
Yates correction) were presented as the results. Statistical significance of 0.05 was assumed.

Results. Among the hospitalized patients there were problems that included an element of quality, e.g. lack of media access (50,28%). The
circumstances of deprivation were presented as homesickness (35,75%). Illness (30,73%) and pain (29,61%) were indicated as a threat.
Disturbance, overload, obstruction and deficiency were rarely present. Conflicts did not occur.

Conclusions. Men and women have perceived and evaluated problems in the similar way. Women have more often reacted to stress with
helplessness, manifesting somatic symptoms in the form of headaches, stomach aches and they also cried. Men have more often used
rationalization mechanism and claimed they do not need any support.