Sleep disturbance, anxiety, fatigue and coping strategies adopted by the family members of patients admitted to intensive care unit in selected hospitals of east Sikkim

Background: Patients admission in an intensive care unit is a distressing event for both patient and their family member. It is usually unexpected and sudden, whereby families might suffer uncertainty and shock that may precipitate familial disequilibrium due to lack of preparedness of the situation. Family’s coping contributes a great deal in patient’s recovery. The main focus of health care provider is on patients and not towards the family members who are in a state of crisis and need some sort of assurance to cope with the situation. The study tries to find out the level of sleep disturbance, anxiety, fatigue and most importantly the coping strategies adopted by the family members. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted wherein113 samples were selected by non probability purposive sampling technique from selected hospitals of East Sikkim. The data was collected by using Pre structured sleep disturbance questionnaire and Standardized tool (Chalder Fatigue scale, and Coping strategies inventory). Data were analysed by using SPSS version 25. Results: The study finding revels that majority of the samples who experienced sleep disturbance was64.6 %, severe fatigue 63.3% and 85.8% of the sample experienced high level of anxiety. Positive coping strategy adopted by family members was found to be 61.07% and negative was 38.93%. Conclusion: The study findings revealed that family members of patient admitted in intensive care unit experiencedsleep disturbanceanxiety and severefatigue. Although majority of the family members used positive coping, the family members who used negative coping contributes 38.93 % which should be of concern.