Stress levels and coping mechanisms among patients' caregivers whose family members are hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit in Indonesia: an observational study

Abstract

The stress levels and coping mechanisms experienced by families of patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) often contribute to significant psychological distress. This heightened stress among caregivers is a critical concern that warrants further investigation to mitigate its negative consequences. While the impact of stress on ICU patient families is recognized, research specifically addressing this issue within the Indonesian population remains limited.  This study aimed to address this gap by investigating the stress levels and coping mechanisms employed by caregivers of ICU patients at RS Universitas Tanjung Pura, Indonesia. This observational study involved 50 participants; all family members of patients admitted to the ICU. Data collection utilized three standardized instruments: the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) to assess stress levels, the Brief COPE Questionnaire to evaluate coping strategies, and the Family Support Questionnaire to measure perceived social support. The findings revealed a concerningly high prevalence of severe stress among the participants, with 84% experiencing stress levels classified as severe. Interestingly, a substantial majority (82%) of the caregivers also demonstrated strong coping mechanisms. Statistical analysis revealed a significant positive and strong correlation (r = 0.790, p < 0.05) between stress levels and coping strategies. This suggests that as stress increases, caregivers are more likely to engage in coping behaviours, though the effectiveness of these strategies may vary. The results underscore the crucial role of family support and individual coping mechanisms in navigating the intense stress associated with having a loved one in the ICU. These findings emphasize the urgent need for targeted nursing interventions designed to enhance emotional resilience and provide comprehensive support for families of ICU patients.

Keywords: Coping mechanism, family caregivers, Intensive Care Unit, mental health nursing, stress levels