Identification of the perceived stress levels and sleep quality amongcaregivers of patients hospitalized in the palliative care clinic

Introduction and Aim: Stress levels and sleep quality of caregivers are known to affect the quality of care. This study aims to identify the perceived stress levels and sleep quality among caregivers of patients hospitalized in palliative care clinics. Methods: The target population of this study is the caregivers of patients who were treated in the palliative care clinics of a city hospital in a city. The study utilized no sampling method, and the participants were composed of 153 caregivers who met the research criteria and agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected using the Socio-Demographic Form, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Analyses included numbers, percentages, means, t-test in independent groups, Analysis of Variance, and Pearson correlation analysis. Results: Of all the caregivers, 53.6% were females, 31.4% graduated from high school, and 64.1% were married. Participating caregivers' Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) mean score was found 23.76±6.84 and the PSQI total mean score was found 9.16±3.33. While the difference was found to be statistically significant according to caregivers' marital status, kinship to the patient, financial effects, and the duration of the treatment in the palliative care unit in the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) mean score, it was statistically significant according to the kinship to the patient and knowledge about providing care to the patient in the PSQI total mean score. A statistically significant, positive, and low-level relationship was found between the Perceived Stress Score and the total PSQI score. Conclusion: It was found that the caregivers' perceived stress levels were above-average and they had poor sleep quality. Caregivers' stress levels and sleep quality were found to be affected by a number of variables. Caregivers' sleep quality was found to worsen as their stress levels increased. It is recommended to investigate various variables that could affect caregivers' sleep quality and stress levels. Keywords: Caregiver, Nursing, Palliative Care, Perceived Stress, Sleep Quality