Perceptions of Stress: Patient and Caregiver Experiences With Stressors During Hospitalization.

BACKGROUND

Hospitalization for a cancer diagnosis and treatment may trigger stressful experiences for patients and family caregivers.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to identify patients' and caregivers' perceptions of stressors during hospitalization and evaluate their education needs.

METHODS

A descriptive correlational research design was used to determine whether there is any correlation between the stress perceptions of patients and family caregivers and their need for additional education on health-related issues.

FINDINGS

Patients reported experiencing mild to extreme stress for sleep deprivation, pain, tube and line restrictions, and financial issues. In addition to these stressors, family caregivers also perceived that waiting for test results was a main reason for stress in patients. A positive significant correlation was found between the total sample mean stress scores of patients and their need for additional education on health-related issues.