Symptoms of Prolonged Grief and Self-Reported Health Among Bereaved Family Members of Persons Who Died From Sudden Cardiac Arrest. (May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Carlsson, Nina; Alvariza, Anette; Bremer, Anders; Axelsson, Lena; Årestedt, Kristofer
• Is Part Of: Omega. Volume 87:Number 1(2023)
• Page Start: 66
• Page End: 86
• Publication Date: 2023-05
• Subjects: bereavement -- family -- grief -- health -- heart arrest -- sudden death; Death -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Bereavement -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Death -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Suicide -- Periodicals; 306.9
• DOI: 10.1177/00302228211018115
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0030-2228

Abstract

Sudden cardiac arrest is common and is one of the leading causes of death in the western world, and the sudden loss following cardiac arrest may have a significant impact on bereaved family members' health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe symptoms of prolonged grief and self-reported health among bereaved family members of persons who died from sudden cardiac arrest, with comparisons between spouses and non-spouses. This was a cross-sectional observation study with 108 adult family members who completed a questionnaire. A fifth of the family members reported prolonged grief, and problems with self-reported health were common, especially regarding anxiety. Spouses reported more problems with prolonged grief and self-reported health compared with non-spouses. The risk of these family members developing prolonged grief and health problems should be recognized, and professional support should be offered.