Assessing Environmental Stressors Among Patients Admitted In A Medical Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Intensive Care Units (ICUs) are fundamentally stressful environments. Factors like noise, lighting, and a lack of control, particularly in Medical Intensive Care Units (MICUs), can significantly affect patient well-being and recovery. This study aimed to assess the environmental stressors perceived by patients admitted to a MICU.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the MICU of a tertiary care hospital in Lucknow, U.P. A purposive sample of 101 critically ill patients was selected. Data were collected using a demographic proforma, a clinical variables checklist, and the standardized Intensive Care Unit Environmental Stressor Scale (ICUESS), which was translated into Hindi and validated.

Results: The majority of participants were male (71.28%) and aged 40-50 years (48.51%). A significant proportion of patients rated the MICU environment as "Very Stressful" (75.24%) or "Extremely Stressful" (9.90%). The highest-rated stressors included the inability to sleep (mean score: 3.55), immobility due to IV lines (3.50), being stuck with needles (3.41), and being in pain (3.38). Stress levels were significantly associated (p<0.05) with age, educational status, occupation, monthly income, and family type.

Conclusion: Patients in the MICU experience substantial environmental stress, primarily related to physical discomfort, loss of control, and invasive procedures. Sociodemographic factors significantly influence the perception of these stressors. The findings underscore the critical need for healthcare professionals to implement targeted interventions to mitigate these stressors, thereby enhancing patient comfort and well-being.