Anxiety level among family members attending patients admitted in intensive care unit

Background: As family is an integral part of patients’ care, they are often the ones who determine satisfaction of care provided, as well as with the overall critical care experience. This is always observed that family members of patients admitted in intensive care unit (ICU) are typically in a state of strain and tension that leads to fear and anxiety. This study was undertaken to assess anxiety level among family members attending ICU patients, and to find out the association between anxiety level and demographic variables of family members. Materials and method: The study was conducted in selected ICU of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Guwahati. Conveniently selected 100 family members whose near relatives were admitted in ICU and attending the patients at least for three days from admission constitute the sample. They underwent standardised self-evaluation questionnaire to assess the anxiety level and data analysis was performed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Findings of the study suggested that out of 100 family members majority (54%) had high level of anxiety followed by moderate level of anxiety (31%) and least (15%) had low level of anxiety. There was significant association between anxiety level of the family members and selected demographic variables such as age (p-value 0.034), sex (p-value 0.000) and occupation (p-value 0.000). Conclusion: Family members attending ICU patients showed moderate to high level of anxiety and also showed significant association between anxiety level and selected demographic variables. Anxiety can be improved by nursing activities that help them to achieve coping ability, enhanced functional pattern, and improve psychosocial wellbeing.