Effects of Stress Management Skills Training on the Resilience of Family Caregivers of Heart Failure Patients: A Quasi-experimental Study

Abstract

Background: Heart failure disrupts the lives of patients and their caregivers. Resilience is a dynamic process for adaptation in traumatic or disastrous events. As teaching stress management skills increases people’s adaptation in stressful situations, this study was determined the effects of stress management skills training on the resilience of family caregivers of heart failure patients. Objectives: To determine the effects of stress management skills training on the resilience of family caregivers of heart failure patients. Methods: This quasi-experimental study conducted in 30 family caregivers of patients with heart failure hospitalized in the cardiac care unit (CCU) of Amir al-Mominin Ali (AS) hospital in Zabol, Iran. They were randomly divided into two groups, intervention and control. Data was collected using a demographic characteristics questionnaire and Connor Davidson questionnaire of resilience which were completed before and after the intervention. Results: Independent t-test did not show a significant difference between the two groups before the intervention (P > 0.05). However, the mean score of the resilience was significantly different after intervention (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The intervention of stress management skills training can be effective for family caregivers of heart failure patients in a sample of Iranian society. The results are consistent with the results of other studies. It is absolutely necessary and effective to provide such educational services in the healthcare service delivery system for patients’ caregivers.