Investigate the impact of stress on quality of life

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 132 views

The Impact of Stress Levels on Patients with Post Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN) and the Quality of Life of Their Families

Introduction

Post herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a common complication that occurs in patients with herpes zoster (HZ). This condition is characterized by sharp pain that persists even after the initial eruption has disappeared. The stress caused by PHN not only affects the patients but also has a significant impact on the quality of life of their families. In this article, we will discuss the relationship between stress levels in PHN patients and the quality of life of their families.

Background

PHN can cause prolonged pain, leading to discomfort and stress in patients. This stress arises from the physical and psychological experiences they undergo during recovery and pain treatment. Families who care for PHN patients often spend more time helping them undergo necessary treatment, which can reduce their overall quality of life. Understanding how patient stress levels affect the quality of life of their families is crucial in providing comprehensive care.

Objective

This study aims to investigate the relationship between stress levels in PHN patients and the quality of life of their families. This assessment is essential to determine the extent of the psychological impact of medical conditions on the people closest to the patient.

Methodology

This study employed an observational analytical design with a cross-sectional approach. A total of 30 PHN patients and 30 of their family members participated in the study. Patients were asked to complete the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) questionnaire to assess their stress levels. On the other hand, the patient's family members were required to fill out the Family Dermatology Life Quality Index (FDLQI) to evaluate their quality of life. The data obtained were analyzed using the Spearman correlation test due to non-normal distribution, and the ANOVA test was used to evaluate the difference between the level of patient stress and the quality of family life.

Results

The research findings revealed that PHN patients who experience severe stress levels have a significantly worse family life quality compared to those who experience moderate or mild stress levels. The mean score of the lowest quality of life, indicating the most supportive quality of life, was recorded in patients with severe stress levels, with a score of 27.20. In contrast, the average quality score of life was recorded in patients who experienced mild stress, with a score of 14.33.

Conclusion

The results of the analysis demonstrate a significant relationship between the stress levels of PHN patients and the quality of life of their families. With a significance value of P <0.005, the higher the stress level experienced by patients, the lower the quality of life of their family based on the measured aspects in the FDLQI questionnaire. Additionally, there is a significant difference in the quality score of the family's life regarding the patient's stress level, with a value of P <0.001. This study highlights the importance of attention to mental health not only for patients but also for their families as an integral unity in the healing and treatment process.

Implications

The findings of this study have significant implications for healthcare providers, policymakers, and families affected by PHN. Firstly, healthcare providers should prioritize the mental health of PHN patients and their families, providing them with access to counseling services and stress management techniques. Secondly, policymakers should develop and implement policies that support the mental health of families caring for PHN patients. Finally, families affected by PHN should be aware of the potential impact of stress on their quality of life and seek support from healthcare providers and support groups.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Mental health support: Healthcare providers should provide mental health support to PHN patients and their families, including counseling services and stress management techniques.
Family-centered care: Healthcare providers should adopt a family-centered approach to care, involving family members in the treatment plan and providing them with support and resources.
Policy development: Policymakers should develop and implement policies that support the mental health of families caring for PHN patients, including access to counseling services and stress management techniques.
Education and awareness: Families affected by PHN should be educated about the potential impact of stress on their quality of life and encouraged to seek support from healthcare providers and support groups.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The study had a small sample size, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Cross-sectional design: The study employed a cross-sectional design, which may not capture the dynamic nature of stress and its impact on quality of life.
Self-reported measures: The study relied on self-reported measures, which may be subject to bias and limitations.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to:

Investigate the impact of stress on quality of life: Studies should investigate the impact of stress on quality of life in PHN patients and their families, using longitudinal designs and objective measures.
Develop and evaluate interventions: Studies should develop and evaluate interventions aimed at reducing stress and improving quality of life in PHN patients and their families.
Explore the role of family-centered care: Studies should explore the role of family-centered care in improving quality of life and reducing stress in PHN patients and their families.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the significant relationship between stress levels in PHN patients and the quality of life of their families. The findings of this study have important implications for healthcare providers, policymakers, and families affected by PHN. By prioritizing mental health support, adopting a family-centered approach to care, and developing policies that support the mental health of families, we can improve the quality of life of PHN patients and their families.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Relationship between Stress Levels in PHN Patients and the Quality of Life of Their Families

Q: What is Post Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN)?

A: PHN is a common complication that occurs in patients with herpes zoster (HZ). It is characterized by sharp pain that persists even after the initial eruption has disappeared.

Q: How does PHN affect patients and their families?

A: PHN can cause prolonged pain, leading to discomfort and stress in patients. This stress arises from the physical and psychological experiences they undergo during recovery and pain treatment. Families who care for PHN patients often spend more time helping them undergo necessary treatment, which can reduce their overall quality of life.

Q: What is the relationship between stress levels in PHN patients and the quality of life of their families?

A: The study found a significant relationship between the stress levels of PHN patients and the quality of life of their families. With a significance value of P <0.005, the higher the stress level experienced by patients, the lower the quality of life of their family based on the measured aspects in the FDLQI questionnaire.

Q: What are the implications of this study for healthcare providers and policymakers?

A: The findings of this study have significant implications for healthcare providers and policymakers. Healthcare providers should prioritize the mental health of PHN patients and their families, providing them with access to counseling services and stress management techniques. Policymakers should develop and implement policies that support the mental health of families caring for PHN patients.

Q: What are some recommendations for families affected by PHN?

A: Families affected by PHN should be aware of the potential impact of stress on their quality of life and seek support from healthcare providers and support groups. They should also be educated about the importance of mental health support and stress management techniques.

Q: What are some limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including a small sample size, a cross-sectional design, and reliance on self-reported measures.

Q: What are some future directions for research on this topic?

A: Future studies should aim to investigate the impact of stress on quality of life in PHN patients and their families, using longitudinal designs and objective measures. They should also develop and evaluate interventions aimed at reducing stress and improving quality of life in PHN patients and their families.

Q: How can healthcare providers support PHN patients and their families?

A: Healthcare providers can support PHN patients and their families by providing mental health support, adopting a family-centered approach to care, and providing access to counseling services and stress management techniques.

Q: What are some resources available for families affected by PHN?

A: There are several resources available for families affected by PHN, including support groups, counseling services, and online resources. Families should seek out these resources to support their mental health and well-being.

Q: How can policymakers support families affected by PHN?

A: Policymakers can support families affected by PHN by developing and implementing policies that support the mental health of families caring for PHN patients. They can also provide funding for research and interventions aimed at reducing stress and improving quality of life in PHN patients and their families.

Q: What is the importance of family-centered care in PHN treatment?

A: Family-centered care is essential in PHN treatment because it involves the family in the treatment plan and provides them with support and resources. This approach can improve the quality of life of PHN patients and their families by reducing stress and improving mental health outcomes.

Q: How can families affected by PHN reduce stress and improve their quality of life?

A: Families affected by PHN can reduce stress and improve their quality of life by seeking support from healthcare providers and support groups, practicing stress management techniques, and adopting a family-centered approach to care.