Stress appraisal among valve replacement patients

Objective:To describe stress appraisal among valve replacement patients. Methods: The conceptual framework was based on Lazarus and Folkman's theory of stress. The instruments used in this study were the demographic data record form and stress appraisal scale developed by the researcher based on literature review. Sixty-four subjects participated in this study. Data were analyzed for frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation (SD). Results: The mean of stress appraisal for overall stressors was 2.59 (SD 0.70 ) whereas the mean of stress appraisal for social-related stressors (2.99±0.67), the highest in overall stressors. Illness-related stressors occurred most frequently among subjects who were being in pain/discomfort (100%). However, the most stressful of these stressor was uncertainty regarding the outcome (3.12±0.88). Hospital-related stressor occurred most frequently among subjects who were sharing room with others(75%). The most stressful of social-related stressors was having to depend on the others ( 3.24 ±0.87). Conclusion: This study can provide information on stressors and stress appraisal of patients with valve replacement to clinical nurses.