Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
International Journal of Orthopaedic and Trauma Nursing, cilt.57, 2025 (ESCI)
Objective: Total knee arthroplasty is a surgical intervention performed to reduce pain and movement restriction resulting from advanced joint deformity in individuals diagnosed with osteoarthritis, and to improve their quality of life and functionality. Meeting the preoperative educational needs of individuals undergoing total knee arthroplasty positively impacts postoperative recovery, mobilization, and rehabilitation. In this context, this study was conducted to determine the effect of preoperative education on fear of mobilization experienced after surgery in individuals who have undergone total knee arthroplasty. Materials and methods: This study, was conducted using a single-group pre-test-post-test model, included 36 individuals who underwent total knee arthroplasty. Data were collected preoperatively and postoperatively using a questionnaire, a fear of falling and fall history assessment form, a Visual Analog Scale-10 (VAS-10), and a fall information exchange form. Results: The average age of the 36 participants (27 women [75 %]; 9 men [25 %]) was 65.56 ± 4.39 years. The pre-education level of fear was 5.09 ± 1.57, the post-education level of fear was 3.73 ± 0.68, and the level of fear of pre-mobilization was 4.08 ± 0.81. A statistically significant difference was found between the pre-education and post-education level of fear of mobilization (t = 8.324, p = 0.000), between the post-education level and the level of fear before the first mobilization (t = −22.293, p = 0.000). However, it should be noted that fear of mobilization slightly increased during the postoperative first mobilization compared to after education; this may be related to patients' fear of mobilization, pain or anxiety. Conclusion: The results of this study show that preoperative education provided to individuals undergoing total knee arthroplasty has positive effects on reducing fear of first mobilization experienced after surgery.