Addishiwot MeleseHaileleul MekonenBisrat Enedeg2026-11-132026-11-132026-09-21https://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/9616Background: Parents of critically ill children admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) often experience high levels of psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and stress. These psychological outcomes not only affect parental well-being but also influence the child’s recovery and family functioning. Despite the critical impact, limited data exists from Ethiopia on the psychological burden faced by parents of PICU patients. Objectives: To assess the psychological outcomes (anxiety, depression, and stress) and coping mechanism of parents of critically ill children admitted to the PICU at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH), Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, and to identify associated factors. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2025 to February 2026. A total of 83 parents of children admitted to the PICU was prosepctively enrolled. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, including the validated Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Socio-demographic and clinical variables were assessed. Outcomes were measured as magnitudes and severity of anxiety, depression, and stress. Data was entered and analyzed using R software. Descriptive statistics, frequency tables, and graphs were used for summary, while logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with adverse psychological outcomes. Results: In a study of 83 parents in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, 68.7% exhibited poor psychological outcomes, characterized by high rates of depression and anxiety. Multivariate analysis revealed that mechanical ventilation, surgical interventions, and shorter durations of stay were significant independent predictors of increased parental distress. Parents primarily utilized emotion-focused coping mechanisms, though many also employed dysfunctional strategies that could potentially exacerbate their psychological burden. The study concludes that intensive medical procedures significantly heighten emotional trauma, highlighting a critical need for early psychological screening and intervention. Conclusion: Integrating dedicated psychosocial support services into the PICU is essential to safeguard the mental health and resilience of families.enDepressionanxietystressparentsPICUhospitalizedchildThesis