Demoralization syndrome in burn patients: A cross-sectional study

• Published in: Burns 2024-08, Vol.50 (6), p.1640-1651
• Main Authors: Wang, Chang, Deng, YunYun, Yao, YiMing, Tan, HuiYi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptation, Psychological; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Body Surface Area; Burns; Burns - complications; Burns - psychology; Coping methods; Cross-Sectional Studies; Demoralization; Female; Hope; Humans; Income - statistics & numerical data; Male; Middle Aged; Morale; Perceived social support; Social Support; Surveys and Questionnaires; Syndrome; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0305-4179; 1879-1409; 1879-1409
• DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2024.02.016

To investigate the status of demoralization syndrome and the factors affecting demoralization in burn patients. This study employed a cross-sectional research design and utilized a face-to-face questionnaire to gather data from adult burn patients with burn depths classified as second-degree or higher. The Demoralization Scale Mandarin Version, the Perceived Social Support Scale, the Herth Hope Index, and the Medical Coping Method Questionnaire were used to assess the level of demoralization, perceived social support, sense of hope, and coping strategies, respectively. General information, including socio-demographic data and disease characteristics, were collected. The patients' level of demoralization was categorized as the mean ± 1 standard deviation of the DS-MV scores. The data was analyzed using IBM SPSS 26.0 software to explore the relationship between the variables. This study included 381 burn patients with a mean DS-MV score of 34.62 ± 18.319. Of these, 66 (17.3%) had mild demoralization, 241 (63.3%) had moderate demoralization, and 74 (19.4%) had severe demoralization. Cause of burn, total burn area, average monthly income of the individual, occupation, sense of hope, perceived social support, and medical coping strategies were the important factors associated with the severity of demoralization in burn patients. Patients with burn injuries exhibit a notable prevalence and severity of demoralization indicating focused attention. By considering associated risk factors, healthcare professionals can devise and execute tailored intervention strategies aimed at mitigating the occurrence and intensity of demoralization in burn patients. •More than half of burn patients suffer from demoralization syndrome.•Hope, perceived social support, and acceptance-resignation coping styles are important factors affecting the burn patients' demoralization syndrome.•Total area of burns, cause of burns, occupation, and economic status can influence the level of demoralization among burn patients.