|
Comorbidity of Symptoms and Health Literacy Among Family Caregivers of ICU Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
|
Arezoo Farhadi    , Elham Navab , Shohreh Naderimagham , Shima Haghani , Mahbobeh Shali * |
| Department of Critical Care Nursing, Tehran School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran & none , mehraneshali@yahoo.com |
|
|
Abstract: (8 Views) |
Background & aim: Family caregivers of intensive care unit (ICU) patients are exposed to considerable physical and psychological burden, often experiencing multiple concurrent symptoms -a phenomenon referred to as symptom comorbidity. Health literacy can influence caregivers’ ability to understand and manage health-related information. This study aimed to examine the comorbidity of symptoms and their association with health literacy among family caregivers of ICU patients.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted with 265 family caregivers in hospitals affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected on demographics, symptom comorbidity, and health literacy using the HELIA (Health Literacy Instrument for Adults) questionnaire. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients, and multivariable linear regression.
Results: The mean age of caregivers was 44.7 ± 11.9 years; 62% were female and 71% were married. More than half (57%) had at least one chronic comorbid condition, and 36.6% had two or more concurrent comorbidities. The mean health literacy score was 63.4 ± 14.2, with 56.6% of caregivers classified as having inadequate or marginal health literacy. A greater number of comorbidities was significantly associated with lower health literacy (P<0.001). Multivariable linear regression indicated that comorbidity, age, sex, education, and prior caregiving experience were independent predictors of health literacy.
Conclusion: Symptom comorbidity is common among ICU family caregivers and is negatively associated with health literacy. These findings highlight the importance of caregiver screening, supportive interventions, and targeted educational programs to enhance health literacy in ICU settings. |
|
| Keywords: Comorbidity, Health Literacy, Family Caregivers, Intensive Care Unit. |
|
|
Full-Text [PDF 1354 kb]
(10 Downloads)
|
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2026/01/3 | Accepted: 2026/06/30 | Published: 2026/07/1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Send email to the article author |
|
|
|
| Add your comments about this article |
|
|
|
