Author/Authors :
Rezaei, Tayebe Rajaie Cardiovascular - Medical, and Research center - Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, I.R. Iran , Azarfarin, Rasoul Echocardiography Research Center - Rajaie Cardiovascular, Medical, and Research Center - Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, I.R. Iran , Totonchi, Ziae Rajaie Cardiovascular - Medical, and Research center - Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, I.R. Iran , Bakhshandeh, Hooman Rajaie Cardiovascular - Medical, and Research center - Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, I.R. Iran , Alizadehasl, Azin Rajaie Cardiovascular - Medical, and Research center - Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, I.R. Iran , Fakhari, Solmaz Department of Anesthesiology -Faculty of Medicine -Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, I.R. Iran
Abstract :
Background: This research was conducted to investigate the effects of a nursing supportive
program on anxiety and stress levels in the family members of patients admitted to the
intensivee care unit (ICU) after cardiac surgery.
Methods: This research was a quasi-experimental study. A control group and an intervention group
(each = 35), both comprised of the family members of post-cardiac surgery patients
admitted to the ICU, were studied. The intervention group received a nursing supportive
program initially 2 hours after their patients entered the ICU (1st day) and thereafter on the
2nd and 3rd days. The control group received only the routine information. Demographic
variables and an adjusted Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) were used to assess
the anxiety and stress levels of the family members of the patients.
Results: Demographic variables and the DASS scores had no statistically significant differences in
stress levels between the 2 groups before the intervention. However, after the intervention,
the mean score of the stress level in the intervention group dropped significantly in
comparison with the control group (P = 0.0001). Anxiety levels in both groups were reduced
after the intervention. However, although a statistically significant difference was observed
between the 2 groups 2 hours after ICU admission and on the 2nd ICU day (P = 0.0001),
there was no significant difference on the 3rd ICU day (P = 0.993).
Conclusions: In light of the findings of the present study, our nursing supportive program, which
was aimed at providing information, emotional and mental support, and reassurances to the
family members of post-cardiac surgery patients hospitalized in the ICU, was able to
decrease their stress levels and to some extent their anxiety levels.
Keywords :
Family nursing , Stress , Anxiety , Critical care nursing