The Effects of Open Heart Surgery (Coronary Bypass) on Depression and Social Adjustment of Hospitalized Heart Patients

Problem statement: Post treatment preparation is critical period, as patients may have difficulties with psychosocial adjustment, especially related to dissatisfaction with side effects of medicine taking therapy and a lack of socialization skills/social competence. Different psychological issues arise for patients depending upon where they are in the medical treatment process. Approach: The current research was processed with the intention of examining and presenting the effects of open heart surgery (coronary bypass) on male and female hospitalized heart patients' depression and social adjustment in Tehran Shahid Modarress Hospital; regarding age, sex, employment and marital status The research sample particularized 118 patients (42 female and 76 male) whom were selected by simple random sampling procedure. To obtain data, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Social Adjustment Scale Self-Report (SAS-SR) were implemented a couple weeks before and after surgery procedure as pretest and post test with one group. The research design was quasi-experimental. Results: Results were considered significant at p value less than to equal to 0.0001 (p≤0.0001) and revealed that: Heart surgery decreased social adjustment but had no significant impact on heart inpatients' depression. Conclusion: After treatment, it was common for patients to exhibit behavior problems, depression, poor social adaptation and/or noncompliance with the medical regimen. The psychosocial adaptation of surgery procedure can be promoted through support and counseling by one or all members of the surgery team caring for the patients and their families. This process must start during the first visit to the treatment center.