Anxiety Experienced by Patient Relatives During Major Cardiac Surgeries

Lt Col Geethu Chandradas, Brig (Dr) Vandana Agnihotri, Brig (Dr) S Gita

Abstract: Major cardiac surgeries often elicit profound emotional stress among patient relatives, significantly affecting their psychological well-being. A cross sectional study was conducted on 95 primary caregivers in a tertiary hospital of Western Maharashtra to assess the level of anxiety among relatives of patients undergoing major cardiac surgeries and determine its association with selected demographic variables. Purposive sampling method. Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Sociodemographic and health-related variables were analyzed for correlation with anxiety levels. Out of 95 participants, 36.8% exhibited moderate anxiety, and 24.2% experienced severe anxiety. Female caregivers, those with lower educational levels, and relatives from nuclear families had significantly higher anxiety levels (p < 0.05). Anxiety was also more prevalent among caregivers with a history of prior hospitalizations and limited knowledge of the patient's illness. High levels of anxiety among caregivers necessitate timely psychological support, structured counseling, and targeted nursing interventions to promote both caregiver and patient well-being.

Keywords: Anxiety, Caregiver burden, Cardiac surgery, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Tertiary care

How to Cite?: Lt Col Geethu Chandradas, Brig (Dr) Vandana Agnihotri, Brig (Dr) S Gita, "Anxiety Experienced by Patient Relatives During Major Cardiac Surgeries", Volume 14 Issue 10, October 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 155-158, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251003115816, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251003115816