Factors Associated With Symptoms of Prolonged Grief and Psychological Distress Among Bereaved Family Members of Persons Who Died From Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Abstract

Background Death from sudden cardiac arrest implies a stressful and challenging situation for bereaved family members with an increased risk of prolonged grief disorder and psychological distress. Objectives The aims of this study were (1) to explore the associations between symptoms of prolonged grief and psychological distress and (2) to identify factors associated with symptoms of prolonged grief and psychological distress among bereaved family members of persons who died from sudden cardiac arrest. Methods This cross-sectional survey included bereaved adult family members. Demographic data and measures of prolonged grief (Prolonged Grief Disorder-13), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), posttraumatic stress (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5), and perceived social support (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support) were analyzed using Spearman's correlations (rs) as well as univariate and multiple linear regression analyses. Results In total, 108 family members participated. Significant associations between symptoms of prolonged grief, anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress were identified (rs = 0.69-0.79, P