Psychological state and needs of family member caregivers for victims of traumatic brain injury: A cross-sectional descriptive study

Abstract

Objective: Here we evaluated the impact of varying severity of traumatic brain injury on the psychological state and demands of family caregivers. Further, we determined the most significant and least significant daily needs among family caregivers. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional descriptive study in three public hospitals in Tai'an, China. Three hundred caregivers related to traumatic brain injury victims were randomly selected. Patients had varying degrees of injuries (mild to severe). The Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) was used to assess family caregivers' psychological statuses. The Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI) was used to determine family caregivers' needs. Finally, the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was employed to define patients' level of traumatic brain injury. Results: SCL-90 scores for each psychological dimension were significantly higher with increasing TBI severity (p < 0.05). Similarly, CCFNI scores were significantly higher with increasing TBI severity (p < 0.05) for information, reassurance, and accessibility. These same dimensions were found to be the most important needs for family members of TBI injury victims, while support and comfort were the least important dimensions. Conclusions: The more severe pathogenic condition of the patient, the heavier the psychological pressure is on their family member caregivers. Medical staff should therefore pay close attention to the psychological health of family caregivers of TBI patients, especially family caregivers of critical cases. Interventions should be accordingly designed and conducted to meet the needs of family caregivers.

Keywords

• Caregivers
• Family member
• Stress
• Traumatic brain injury