Grief and Coping After COVID-19 Deaths in ICU
Author Information
Author(s): Rodriguez-Villar Sancho, Okegbola Elijah Oluwafemi, Arevalo-Serrano Juan, Duval Yasmine, Mathew Annie, Rodriguez-Villar Carmen, Smith Kirsten V., Kennedy Robert Charles, Prigerson Holly G.
Primary Institution: King's College Hospital NHS Trust Foundation, London, UK
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of prolonged grief disorder among relatives of patients who died of COVID-19 in intensive care?
Conclusion
Rates of prolonged grief disorder are elevated among relatives of patients who died of COVID-19 in the ICU, leading to worse quality of life and greater social disconnection.
Supporting Evidence
- 34.2% of relatives met the criteria for prolonged grief disorder.
- Those with PGD had significantly worse quality of life scores.
- Social disconnection was a predictor of prolonged grief disorder.
Takeaway
When someone loses a loved one to COVID-19 in the hospital, they often feel very sad and alone, and many struggle to cope with their grief.
Methodology
An observational, cross-sectional multicentre study using validated scales to assess grief, quality of life, and social disconnection.
Potential Biases
Selection bias due to distressed individuals being less likely to participate.
Limitations
High decline rate for participation may have led to underestimation of PGD prevalence.
Participant Demographics
{"age":{"median":66,"interquartile_range":"58-73"},"gender":{"male":52,"female":21},"relationship":{"partner_spouse":34,"son_daughter":31,"other":8}}
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 23.1–45.4%
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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