Stressors in intensive cardiac care units: Patients' perceptions

Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are often admitted to intensive cardiac care units (ICCUs) to have their vital signs and ventricular function monitored. In most cases, they are conscious and bedbound, causing high stress and anxiety levels.

To assess the stressors affecting patients admitted to ICCUs.

This is a cross-sectional study performed in a public hospital in São Paulo, Brazil.

A sample of 100 patients with ACS admitted to an ICCU, after 24 hours of hospitalization, was recruited. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, and the Intensive Care Unit Stressor Assessment Scale (ICESS) was applied to investigate stressors. The ICESS' internal consistency was estimated by Cronbach's alpha, and the stressors were analysed by descriptive statistics, association tests, and correlation tests.

Most patients were male, married, and aged 51 to 60 years. The ICESS showed an excellent internal consistency. The mean score identified in patients pointed to a non-stressed to moderately stressed condition. The indicators considered to be more stressful were as follows: "Not knowing ICU length of stay," "Being unable to fulfil family roles," "Missing husband or wife," and "Loss of self-control."

Stress levels were considered to be non-stressful to moderately stressful. The main stressors were related to psychological distress and physical discomfort dimensions.

Mapping the main stressors of patients with coronary artery disease will allow health professionals to implement strategies to reduce them and consequently reduce their anxiety levels.