[The influence of anxiety in coping strategies used during the pre-operative period].

This study aims at characterizing the population analyzed regarding socio-demographic aspects, identifying the anxiety level of patients undergoing surgery and the most used coping strategies during the pre-operative period, as well as observing the relation between anxiety level and coping strategies over the same period. The population was comprised of 40 patients undergoing surgery. For data collection, two self-applicable instruments were employed: Spielberger's anxiety level inventory and Lazarus, Folkman's coping strategies inventory. Data were collected over the pre-operative period. Most patients were women averaging 46-years old, with low level of schooling, previous surgery experience set before, and no previous intercurrence. The coping strategies more commonly used were social support and problem resolution. In regards to anxiety and coping strategies there was found a negative correlation between anxiety level, social support and problem resolution.