[Effect of age on dynamics of fear in patients undergoing cholecystectomy]

Forty patients, hospitalized in order to undergo the planned cholecystectomy were investigated with the help of self-evaluation questionnaire after Spielberger et al. The patients were divided according to the age, into two groups, each of them including 20 persons: Group I-13 women and 7 men above 60 (61-84) Group II-15 women and 5 men below 60 (19-57) The patients filled the questionnaire two days before the operation as well as the day before going home. Preoperational examination did not show any significant differences in fear intensification between two groups. Fear did not also depend upon the sex of the patients. Significantly higher (p < 0.001) level of fear was noticed in Group I at the time of medical examination before going home. The reason is most probably the elderly people's uncertainty concerning their physical efficiency with in many cases is necessary for them to survive. The seniors are also afraid of both compulsory dieting and limiting their life activities.