Disease uncertainty and related factors among family members of ICU trauma patients

Objective To investigate the current status and influencing factors of illness uncertainty among family members of ICU trauma patients.

Methods A total of 230 family members of trauma patients were included as study subjects according to convenience sampling.The survey was carried out with a general information questionnaire, a family uncertainty scale, a family care scale and a simplified psychological resilience scale.Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of family members' illness uncertainty.

Results The uncertainty score of the family members of ICU trauma patients was (70.06±12.02) points, which was at a high level.Pearson analysis showed a negative correlation between family care, psychological resilience, and the uncertainty of family members (P < 0.01).Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the first admissioion to ICU and the consciousness status of patients might be independent risk factors for the disease uncertainty in the family members of ICU trauma patients (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01), and good family care and strong psychological resilience might be independent protective factors for the disease uncertainty in the family members of trauma patients (P < 0.01).

Conclusions The family members of ICU trauma patients have a high level of disease uncertainty, and more attention should be focused on patient's family members of low psychological resilience, insufficient family care, as well as clinical severity, such as ICU admission and loss of consciousness.