Evaluating the effect of online psychoeducational support group on perceived stress in family caregivers of COVID-19 survivors.

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the effect of an online psychoeducational support group on the perceived stress of caregivers of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors.

Methods: This randomized clinical trial included 70 caregivers of COVID-19 survivors discharged from Imam Reza Hospital in Mashhad, Iran in 2021. The intervention group received a psychoeducational support training program for stress management through six online group sessions (each 35-45 minutes) in a week. An expert psychiatric nurse provided this program on WhatsApp immediately after the patient's discharge from the hospital. The participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) before starting the intervention and 1 week after that. Data analysis was conducted by descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, independent, and paired t-test.

Results: Both groups were homogeneous in terms of demographic variables of survivors and caregivers. In terms of the PSS, there was no significant difference between the two groups before the intervention (p=0.28). The pre- and post-intervention scores of PSS in the intervention group were 39.57 ± 5.89 and 35.48 ± 5.68, respectively, indicating a significant decrease (p<0.001). Also, the pre- and post-intervention differences between the intervention and control groups were -4.08 ± 3.52 and -0.11 ± 2.66, respectively, indicating a greater decrease in the total PSS of the intervention group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The family caregivers of COVID-19 survivors suffered from psychological distress during their patient care. It is recommended to perform online psychoeducational support group interventions for these individuals based on psychological and educational support program.