섬망 ; 간병제공자 ; 지식 ; 태도 ; 인식 ; 설문조사 ; Delirium ; Caregivers ; Knowledge ; Attitude ; Perception ; Surveys and questionnaires
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the level of delirium awareness among caregivers of hospitalized patients.
Methods: A total of 166 caregivers (48 paid caregivers and 118 family caregivers) participated in a survey using a 21-item delirium awareness scale developed for this study. The scale covered four domains—concept, symptoms, causes, and management— and showed strong content validity (S-CVI/Ave=0.93). Scores were calculated as raw and converted values (0–100 scale).
Results: The mean raw score of caregivers was 14.90 (standard deviation [SD]=2.43), corresponding to 70.95 on the converted scale. The lowest subdomain scores were observed for concept (50.00, SD=38.53) and causes (57.60, SD=27.66). Paid caregivers scored significantly lower than family caregivers overall (64.78 vs. 73.49; p=0.001). Subdomain analysis showed lower scores among paid caregivers in symptoms (F=5.257, p=0.023) and causes (F=5.215, p=0.024).
Conclusion: Caregivers generally had limited awareness of the concept and causes of delirium. Although paid caregivers reported greater caregiving experience, their actual awareness was relatively lower, highlighting the need for systematic education and interventions.