Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
Abstract
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) admissions are essential for the treatment of critically ill children, but the psychological impact of this experience is often neglected, especially in resource‐limited settings. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the psychological outcomes of PICU hospitalization, focusing on self‐esteem, depression and post‐traumatic stress in comparison to children admitted to the general pediatric ward. The study aimed to determine if PICU hospitalization is associated with adverse psychological outcomes and to identify factors contributing to psychological distress in PICU survivors and also to assess whether these psychological effects persist beyond hospitalization. A comparative study was conducted at Mamata Medical College and General Hospital, Khammam, between August 2022 and May 2024. The study included children aged 8 years or older who were admitted to either the PICU or the pediatric ward for at least 48 hours. Children with neurological abnormalities or previous psychiatric illness were excluded. Psychological outcomes were measured using the Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale (SES), Birleson Depression Self‐Rating Scale and Revised Impact of Event Scale (IES). Statistical analysis included t‐tests and chi‐square tests, with significance set at P<0.05. The study found no significant difference in self‐esteem between PICU children (mean 30.72±4.41) and ward children (mean 30.4±2.83, P>0.05). However, depression scores were significantly higher in the PICU group (mean 7.27±3.71) compared to the ward group (mean 5.67±2.84, P<0.05), with follow‐up depression scores showing even greater differences (P<0.001). Post‐traumatic stress symptoms were also more prevalent in PICU children, with significantly higher IES intrusion (P<0.001) and avoidance scores (P<0.05) compared to the ward children. PICU survivors exhibited a higher prevalence of depression and post‐traumatic stress symptoms compared to children admitted to the general pediatric ward, although self‐esteem levels were similar. These findings explains the need for early psychological interventions in PICU settings to address long‐term mental health issues. A more comprehensive approach to PICU care, which includes attention to the emotional and psychological recovery of children, is recommended to improve overall patient outcomes.
How to cite this article:
Sanjivani Deepak Maslekar, Shaik Sana Thabassum and G. Somaiah. Study of Psychological and Behavioral Outcomes in Children Admitted in PICU.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2024.10.475.481
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2024.10.475.481