A Study on Anxiety, Depression, and Sleep in Caregivers of ICU Patients

Abstract

Background: Caregivers of ICU patients often experience significant psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances, which can impair their health and caregiving capacity. This study aimed to assess these symptoms in caregivers during the early phase of an ICU admission.

Methods: This prospective study enrolled 100 caregivers (aged ≥18 years) of adult ICU patients in a tertiary care centre in Andhra Pradesh, India, over 3 months. The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of the tertiary care centre (IEC Approval No. 2023/05/01). Participants were assessed with the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) on days 1, 4, and 7 of the ICU stay. Sociodemographic data were collected via a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with categorical variables summarized as frequencies and percentages. Associations were tested using the Chi-square test (p < 0.05 considered significant).

Results: At baseline (day 1), 38% of caregivers reported anxiety symptoms (mild: 27%, moderate: 9%, severe: 2%), rising to 52% by day 7. Depression symptoms affected 28% initially (mild: 26%, moderate: 2%), increasing to 37% by day 7. Poor sleep quality was prevalent in 71% at day 1, worsening slightly to 76% by day 7. No significant Sociodemographic associations were found with symptom changes.

Conclusion: Anxiety, depression, and poor sleep are highly prevalent among ICU caregivers and escalate over the first week. Targeted interventions are needed to support caregiver mental health.