Abstract
<p><strong>Aims:</strong> 1) To examine the relationship between psychological distress (perceived stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms) and family satisfaction (overall satisfaction, satisfaction with care, and satisfaction with decision-making), 2) explore the relationship between psychological distress and perceived social support, and 3) explore the extent to which perceived social support moderates the relationship between psychological distress and family satisfaction.</p>
<p><strong>Methods:</strong> A cross-sectional study involving 63 family members of patients with at least 48 hours in the ICU was conducted. Questionnaires for perceived stress, anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, perceived social support, and family satisfaction were administered by phone, either in English or Spanish language: Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U tests, chi-square tests, Fisher’s Exact tests, and hierarchical regressions.</p>
<p><strong>Results:</strong> 27% presented clinically significant symptoms (CSS) of anxiety, 25.4% of depression, and 76.2% high perception of social support. Perceived stress was significantly associated with all family satisfaction domains. No significant differences in family satisfaction were found among family members with or without CSS of anxiety and depression. Family members with low/fair perceived social support reported significantly greater perceived stress. No significant associations were found between family members with or without CSS of anxiety or depression, and their level of perceived social support. No evidence of moderation of perceived social support on the relationship between psychological distress and family satisfaction was found. However, perceived social support significantly predicted overall satisfaction and satisfaction with care in several main effects models.<br />
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<strong>Conclusions: </strong>Knowing the psychosocial status of ICU family members may assist in the identification and support of those at risk of low satisfaction. Future studies should delve into the role of perceived social support on family satisfaction. <br />
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