MOTHERS ANXIETY LEVELS AND INFLUENCING FACTORS BEFORE HYPOSPADIAS SURGERY

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the state and trait anxiety levels of mothers whose children were scheduled for hypospadias surgery and to examine the factors affecting these anxiety levels. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted throughout 2024 with 72 mothers of children diagnosed with hypospadias in the Pediatric Urology Clinics of Eskişehir and Konya City Hospitals. Data were collected using the Descriptive Information Form and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S/STAI-T). Results: The mean age of the mothers was 33.45 ± 7.07 years. The mean state anxiety (STAI-S) score was 40.13 ± 4.29, and the mean trait anxiety (STAI-T) score was 43.19 ± 4.18, indicating moderate levels of anxiety. A strong and significant positive correlation was found between state and trait anxiety scores (r = .740, p < 0.001). Statistically significant differences were observed between anxiety levels and both mothers’ educational status and the source of initial information (p < 0.05). Mothers with lower education levels and those who received initial information from pediatricians had higher anxiety levels. No significant differences were found according to mothers’ age, occupation, or the child’s age (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Mothers’ anxiety levels before hypospadias surgery were closely associated with their educational level and the source of information. The higher anxiety levels among mothers with lower education and those informed by pediatricians highlight the importance of effective communication and psychosocial support during the information process. Providing clear and comprehensible information, offering emotional support, and strengthening health literacy may reduce maternal anxiety and contribute to the psychosocial success of the surgical process.