An Investigation of The Relationship Between Perceived Social Support And Care Dependency In Patients Who Underwent Cardiovascular Surgery Intervention

This study aims to investigate the relationship between perceived social support and care dependency in patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery intervention. The study sample consisted of 165 patients who were hospitalized and underwent cardiovascular surgery intervention between 01.06.2021 and 01.09.2021. Data were collected using a questionnaire form, the Care Dependency Scale and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. The data obtained from the study were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. The average age of the participating patients was 60.81±1.46 years. Of all the patients, 60% were male, 77% were married. While 58.8% of the participants had another chronic disease, 53.3% could take care of themselves. Patients’ level of care dependency was found to be low (59.80±16.88), and their level of perceived social support was found to be high (74.15±11.41). A weak and negative correlation (r=-0.262) was detected between the Care Dependency Scale and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Increasing the perceived social support in hospitalized patients who underwent surgical intervention is considered to decrease their level of care dependency. It is important to determine these patients’ perceived social support and care dependency levels and to plan necessary nursing interventions accordingly.