THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PREOPERATIVE HEALTH EDUCATION ON POSTOPERATIVE SURGICAL PATIENTS

This study explored the effectiveness of preoperative health education among 50 postoperative patients in Iriga City, focusing on demographic factors (age group, sex, educational background, employment status, financial capability, type of surgical procedure, and length of stay) and patients' appraisal of education in wound care, medication management, postoperative activities, and follow-up compliance. Most respondents were middle-aged adults (46 percent), predominantly females (56 percent), and college graduates (44 percent). Nearly half earned less than Php 10,000 monthly, with emergency surgeries accounting for 48 percent and hospital stays of 6–10 days for 58 percent. Patients moderately agreed on the effectiveness of preoperative education across wound care (mean:3.95), medication management (mean: 4.00), postoperative activities (mean: 3.94), and follow-up compliance (mean: 4.14). Statistical analysis revealed significant relationships between most demographic factors and perceived education effectiveness, except for sex. The findings emphasized the importance of a tailored preoperative education to address diverse patient needs. Recommendations include age-specific strategies such as interactive tools for younger patients and simplified methods for older adults, gender-sensitive approaches to support women emotionally while providing men concise guidance, and costeffective tools like visual aids and digital platforms to improve accessibility for low-income patients. Technology-based solutions like mobile apps, fitness trackers, and telemedicine can enhance wound care, medication adherence, postoperative activity engagement, and follow-up compliance. Tailored interventions should consider individual needs, socioeconomic barriers, and surgical context to optimize recovery outcomes. Overall, preoperative education is critical for improving surgical outcomes, reducing anxiety, and enhancing patient satisfaction through patient-centered care approaches.