Effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder on Sleep Quality in Family Members of Trauma Patients Admitted to The Intensive Care Unit

Introduction: The hospitalization of individuals who have experienced trauma has a significant impact on their family members' lives. Consequently, the objective of this study was to examine the influence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on the sleep quality of family members whose loved ones were hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU). Material and Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study involved ۱۲۰ participants (۶۶ males and ۵۴ females) who were first-degree relatives of trauma patients admitted to the ICU at ۵th Azar Hospital in Gorgan. Within the first ۲۴ hours of the trauma patient's admission to the ICU, one of their first-degree relatives completed the PCL-C questionnaire for assessing PTSD symptoms. If the participant obtained a score of ۴۵ or higher on the PCL-C questionnaire, they were then requested to complete the Pittsburgh sleep quality questionnaire. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS ۲۳ software. Results: The study found that the average score for PTSD among participants was ۶۷.۸ ± ۵, indicating a high level of stress. The sleep quality score for family members of trauma patients upon hospitalization was ۳.۹ ± ۱.۸ (acceptable). However, one month later, their sleep quality significantly deteriorated to a score of ۹.۳ ± ۲.۵ (poor) (P < ۰.۰۰۱). There was no significant association found between sleep quality and PTSD (P > ۰.۰۵). Conclusion: The research findings indicate that the admission of a trauma patient to the ICU has a significant negative impact on the sleep quality of their family members. Although PTSD was prevalent among these individuals, it did not directly influence sleep quality. Nevertheless, addressing psychological issues and providing adequate psychological support are crucial for improving sleep quality and managing PTSD-related problems, especially for patients with severe complications.

Keywords:

Intensive care unit , Post-traumatic stress disorder , Sleep quality , Trauma