Level and Correlation Factors of Uncertainty in Members of Families of a Patient with Mental Illness

Abstract

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to measure the level of uncertainty, credible authority, severity of illness and event familiarity in members of families where there is a patient with a mental illness and to examine the relationships among these variables. Methods: Research data were collected from November 23 to December 7, 2010. Participants in the study were 96 family members who visited patients in a closed ward or out-patient department of one hospital in Goyang City. Self-report questionnaires were analyzed using the SPSS 18.0 Program. Results: Mean scores were 79.8±11.23 for level of uncertainty in family members, 15.5 ± 2.17 for credible authority, 13.3±2.02 for severity of illness, and 14.5±2.43 for event familiarity. Uncertainty in family members was significantly related to credible authority (r=-.52, p<.001), event familiarity (r=-.41, p<.001) and severity of illness (r=.22, p<.031). Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that credible authority, severity of the illness and event familiarity are major factors perceived uncertainty in members of families of these patients. This outcome suggests the need for a new trials in nursing interventions considering the effects of these variables.