The relationship between health literacy and surgical fear in patients undergoing urological surgery: a cross-sectional study

This study aimed to examine the relationship between health literacy levels and surgical fear among patients scheduled for urological surgical interventions, as well as the sociodemographic factors associated with these variables. Surgical fear is common among patients undergoing urological surgery and may affect their adaptation to the surgical process. Health literacy may influence how patients understand and cope with surgery. This descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational study was conducted with 160 patients scheduled for surgery at the urology department of a university hospital in southern Türkiye. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the 'Patient Information Form', the 'Surgical Fear Questionnaire', and the 'Health Literacy Scale'. The mean total score on the Surgical Fear Questionnaire was 33.13 ± 18.31, while the mean total score on the Health Literacy Scale was 68.08 ± 25.48. Surgical fear scores were found to be significantly higher among female patients and those with lower levels of education and income (p < 0.05). In contrast, health literacy scores were significantly higher among single individuals, those with higher educational attainment, and those residing in urban areas (p < 0.001). A moderate, negative correlation was identified between Surgical Fear Questionnaire and the Health Literacy Scale (r = -0.360, p < 0.001). Furthermore, path analysis showed that, after controlling for socioeconomic variables, education level (β = -0.52) and income status (β = -0.18) were significant predictors of surgical fear (p < 0.001). This study demonstrates a significant and negative relationship between health literacy and surgical fear among patients undergoing urological surgery, highlighting the need to consider surgical fear within the context of socioeconomic factors such as education and income. Personalized informational and supportive interventions for patients with low health literacy and those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged.