Coping With Bereavement and Loss Experiences Among Families of Deceased due to COVID-19 in Guilan Province, Northern Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The loss of a loved one due to COVID-19 can result in significant psychological distress and maladaptive coping responses. This study aimed to investigate the coping with bereavement and loss experiences and related factors among families of individuals deceased due to COVID-19.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 220 residents of Guilan Province, northern Iran, who had experienced the loss of a family member (father, mother, spouse, child, sister, or brother) due to COVID-19 within the past 6 months. Participants were selected using simple random sampling and completed a demographic survey and the Coping Assessment for Bereavement and Loss Experiences (CABLE) questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS software version 21.

RESULTS

The mean score for coping with bereavement and loss experiences was 84.17 ± 19.75. Significant relationships were found between coping with bereavement and the demographic characteristics of age ( = 3.091, < 0.05, ² = 0.732) and job type ( = 2.914, < 0.05, ² = 0.778). No significant relationships were observed with other demographic variables (> 0.05). Multiple regression analysis indicated that age was the only significant predictor of coping with bereavement and loss experiences, with a standardized coefficient () of 0.423,  = 2.149, < 0.05.

CONCLUSION

This study provides insights into the bereavement experiences of families who lost loved ones to COVID-19. It highlights the importance of considering demographic characteristics when providing support to these families. The findings can inform targeted interventions to improve mental health outcomes and well-being among bereaved families.