Anxiety Level of Parents of Children Admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the anxiety level of parents of children admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and to identify related factors that contribute to increased parental anxiety. This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study. The population of the study consisted of parents of children aged 1-18 years who were hospitalized in the PICU. A total of 256 parents participated in the study. Data were collected between 6 May 2024 and 10 June 2024. Of the parents, 75.80% (n=194) were female, 41.40% (n=106) were between the ages of 26-35, and 82% (n=210) were married. Additionally, 56.2% (n=144) of the parents found the appearance of the intensive care unit frightening. 59% (n=151) of parents reported being affected by the procedures and devices applied to the child. The question regarding the ability of parents to accompany their children was answered “yes” by 48.80% (n=125), by 8.60% (n=22) “no”, and by 42.60% (n=109) as “partially”. According to Beck's anxiety scores, 33.40% (n=87) of the parents had minimal anxiety, 27.30% (n=71) had severe anxiety, 24.90% (n=65) had moderate anxiety, and 14.40% (n=37) had mild anxiety symptoms. Parents should be supported during their hospital stay, provide information regarding what happening in the PICU, helping to manage their stress, and offering services to manage parents' fears and concerns. Paediatric nurses have a major role in the development of coping behaviours of parents of hospitalized children.