Author/Authors :
Acaroglu, Rengin Istanbul University - Florence Nightingale College of Nursing - Fundamentals of Nursing Department, Turkey , Kaya, Hatice Istanbul University - Florence Nightingale College of Nursing - Fundamentals of Nursing Department, Turkey , Sendir, Merdiye Istanbul University - Florence Nightingale College of Nursing - Fundamentals of Nursing Department , Tosun, Kezban Cerrahpasa Medical School - Department of Neurosurgery, Turkey , Turan, Yüksel Cerrahpasa Medical School - Department of Neurosurgery, Turkey
Abstract :
Objective: To evaluate the levels of anxiety and ways of coping of family members of patients hospitalized in the Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit (NICU).Methods: The descriptive study was carried out withthe families of 120 patients hospitalized in the NICUof a University Hospital in Turkey, between November 2005 and July 2006. Data were collected using aquestionnaire for demographical information, The State and Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Ways of Coping Inventory. Statistical analysis of the data was carriedout with SPSS software, using arithmetic mean andstandard deviation, percentage, t test, Kruskall Wallis,Mann-Whitney U, and correlation analyses.Results: Of the family members evaluated, 56.7% were males and the mean age of the family members was 34.7±11.13. The average score for the State Anxietywas 47.03±9.55, and Trait Anxiety was 44.11±7.62.Financial problems were the main source of anxiety,being experienced by 56.7% of the participants due to hospitalization of the patient in the intensive care unit.Submissive and helpless coping styles were observedmore frequently, as the level of anxiety increased.Conclusion: In light of these findings, it has been found that members of the families of the patients hospitalized in the NICU experienced a significant amount of anxiety, and that they faced difficulties incoping with anxiety, indicating that they require helpand support.
