Stress among the nurses and their family involved in COVID-19 patient management

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has caused havoc and many deaths around the world. Coronavirus is highly contagious and spreads like wildfire in the community. The nurses and other frontline health-care workers (HCWs) bore the brunt of this pandemic with maximum effect because they all worked with infected patients. Direct exposure has caused stress, anxiety, and physical cum mental discomfort among them. Objective: This study aimed to assess stress among nurses and family members related to COVID-19 outbreak. Methodology: In this study, mixed method of prospective approach was used. The study was conducted virtually using social media platforms by online questionnaire. It included 150 participants and information was collected on demographic data, change in relationship with family, spouse, children, self-concept, and perceived stress among themselves and their family members. Results: All the nurses were involved in the direct care of COVID-infected patients. Many participants (47%) became anxious and worried about themselves. More than half (56.7%) respondents had no change in relationship, while 40.7% experienced change in relationship with their family. Majority of the participants (88%) had long travel hours and accommodation issues. Although the nurses working for COVID patients were stressed, frightened, and anxious, most of them took pride in their work as a contribution toward the nation during this current pandemic. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that frontline HCWs were at increased risk of mental health consequences such as stress, anxiety, and frustration. Their children developed behavioral changes such as agitation and aggressiveness. Many nurses got more family support than before for their contribution during COVID-19 pandemic.