Psychological well-being of patients recovering from abdominal surgery: A qualitative study

Background: Patients recovering from abdominal surgeries may experience several psychological issues which affect their well-being and adversely impact recovery. This study sought to explore the postoperative recovery experiences focusing on psychological well-being after abdominal surgery in the Ho Municipality of Ghana. Methods: The study was conducted in a tertiary referral hospital in the Volta Region of Ghana using a qualitative exploratory descriptive design. Participants aged 21-63 years were recruited using the purposive sampling technique. A semi-structured interview guide was used to conduct in-depth face-to-face interviews with 15 participants subject to data saturation. Each interview was transcribed, read repeatedly, coded, labeled, and grouped using a framework analysis approach. Results: Psychological well-being was poor after surgery but improved with positive recovery experiences. Participants experienced compromised psychological well-being due to anxiety, depression, abandonment, and lack of concentration. The anxiety was associated with delayed wound healing, wound discharges, surgical site infection, and wound dehiscence. Some participants felt abandoned by family while social interaction with friends and loved ones gave others hope. Postoperative pain and the fear of barrenness after surgery made some depressed. Loss of memory and concentration also affected their cognitive well-being. Self-motivation, mastering self-care roles, adhering to treatment, and hope of recovery facilitated psychological well-being. Conclusions: Psychological well-being after abdominal surgery affects postoperative recovery. Psychological assessment and informational support for patients recovering from abdominal surgery will facilitate navigating the recovery experience. Developing a comprehensive follow-up system of care to facilitate continuity of care and offering professional support needs to be explored.