Anxiety Levels in Caregivers of Transitional ICU Patients: A Cross-sectional Survey

Abstract

Background: Transitional care from ICU to the ward requires the full involvement of patient caregivers. Anxiety has been confirmed as a vital factor for the health of patient caregivers and the quality of care. However, large sample studies have been rarely conducted to explore the factors for the anxiety of patient caregivers.This study was conducted to identify the anxiety level of caregivers of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) during the ICU transition period. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July 2022 in accordance with a Self-rating anxiety scale, Parent Perception of Uncertainty Scale-Family Member, and Care Preparedness Scale. The participants were caregivers of critically ill patients from multiple tertiary general hospitals in China. Results: The incidence of anxiety reached 67.4% among the participants. Anxiety was predicted in accordance with the patients’ activity of daily living, the caregivers’ daily sleep time, the Parent Perception of Uncertainty Scale-Family Member, as well as the Care Preparedness Scale. Conclusions: The level of anxiety among participants reached over the normal level. Interventions based on factors should be implemented to relieve caregivers’ anxiety.