Lived Experiences and Level of Stress Among Family Members of Patients Admitted at Critical Care Areas of Pravara Rural Hospital, Loni, Maharashtra

Abstract

Introduction: Admission of the patient to the intensive care unit (ICU) is generally unanticipated situation for family members. This causes psychological problems such as crisis, stress and depression among them. Hence this study was conducted with the objectives: (1) to assess the lived experiences and level of stress among family members of patients admitted at critical care areas; and (2) to find association of level of stress with their selected socio-demographic variables. Materials and Methods: This mixed method research using both qualitative and quantitative approaches was conducted from March–April 2021 among 100 family members of the critically ill patients which were selected by using purposive sampling technique at intensive care units of Pravara Rural Hospital Loni, Maharashtra. The data collection tool consisted of socio-demographic data of the participants; semi structured questionnaires to explore the lived experiences of the family members and stress scale developed by Cohen, Kamarck and Mermelstein. Results: Mainly eight themes emerged through content analysis of the lived experiences. These included (1) Painful experience; (2) Feeling worried, nervous and tense; (3) Uncertainty and fear about recovery; (4) Difficult and challenging situation; (5) Financial problems; (6) Belief in God; (7) Social support; and (8) Satisfaction with health care team. Findings on stress shows that majority i.e., 97% participants had moderate stress. The mean stress score was 28.14, which also reveals that family members of critically ill patients have moderate level of stress. There was a significant association of stress with education, monthly family income, health status condition of the patient and relationship with the patient at 5% level of significance. Conclusion: Based on the finding it is concluded that family members of critically ill patients experience moderate level of stress. Stress management strategies may be implemented for them, which would be helpful in keeping their nerves calm, improving coping skills and promoting their mental health.