Stress and Coping Strategies among Caregivers of Patient Admitted in Intensive Care Unit of Selected Hospital, Parsa

Abstract

Background: Having one's own family member admitted to the ICU is perplexing experience for the family. During this period, families deal with many stressors, including role changes, financial concerns, and uncertain patient prognosis. Coping strategies differ individually, involving actions of self-regulation of emotions, cognition, behaviors, and motivational orientation. This study aims to assess the stress levels and coping strategies among caregivers of patient admitted in intensive care unit.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Narayani Hospital, Parsa, with 104 caregivers selected through non-probability convenience sampling. The Kingston Caregiver Stress Scale and Brief COPE Inventory was used to collect data. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage mean and inferential statistics such as chi-square in Statistical Package for Social Science version 20.

Results: The more than two thirds of caregivers 67.3% experienced moderate stress, while 2.9% had severe stress. Regarding coping, 58.65% showed average coping. Statistically significant associations were found between stress and coping with variables like age, marital status, occupation, residence, and time spent with the patient.

Conclusion: Most caregivers faced moderate stress and adopted average coping strategies. These findings emphasize the importance of supportive interventions tailored to the needs of young, urban, and low-income caregivers.