A survey of illness uncertainty and its influencing factors among family members of patients in surgical intensive care unit / 中国实用护理杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the level of illness uncertainty among family members of patients in surgical intensive care unit (ICU) and analyze its potential influencing factors based on Mishel′s theory. Methods A sample of 260 family members were recruited from the surgical ICU during the period from September 2014 to June 2015. Illness uncertainty was assessed by the Mishel Uncertainty of Illness Scale-Family Member. General variables questionnaire, Social Support Rating Scale, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire were also examined to explore the influencing factors. Results The score of illness uncertainty was ( 96.75 ± 13.90 ) points in family member of patients in surgical ICU, at a high level. Multiply liner regression showed that social support (P=0.011), positive coping style (P=0.027) and average family income (P=0.033) were significant influencing factors of illness uncertainty. Conclusions The level of illness uncertainty is high among family members of patients in surgical ICU. There is a need for nurses to provide accessible social support and psychological intervention, help them cope with illness uncertainty positively.