A Survey on Psychological and Environmental Factors on Family Anxiety of the Hospitalized Patients in Intensive Care Units

Since anxiety has many devastating effects on the individuals, this study aimed to determine psychological and environmental factors on anxiety level of the family of the patients hospitalized in Intensive Care Unit. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2007. Two hundred eighteen family members of 130 patients were selected in simple sampling method in meeting times of the Therapeutic Educational Centers. Collecting the data done using two questionnaires: “standardized hospital anxiety and depression scale” questionnaire and researcher made questionnaire. The data were analyzed using chi-square test and logistic regression. The odds ratio of anxiety outbreak in individuals who remarked that visiting behind the window affect their anxiety was 4.4 times more than that in the individuals who remarked visiting behind the window does not affect their anxiety (OR = 4.404). In addition, the odds ratio in cases with lack of face to face visiting, poor economic condition, family concerns on hospital costs and family member role changing were 3.550, 3.904, 2.501 and 4.308, respectively. Observing pipes and fittings, visiting behind the window, lack of face to face visiting, poor economic condition, family concerns about hospital costs and family member role changing were the effecting factors in increasing odds ratio of the families’ anxiety. Considering these factors and family-centered cares can significantly reduce anxiety level of the families.