Introduction: Education and support of family of hospitalized patients at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) effects their coping and decreases distress. The current study aimed to determine the effect of educational-supportive intervention on psychological reactions of family members of hospitalized patients at the ICU.

Methods: In this semi-experimental study (pretest-posttest with control group), 154 family members of hospitalized patients at the ICU in trauma center of Khatam-al-Anbia hospital in Zahedan were studied during year 2015. They were selected through convenience sampling and were allocated to intervention and control groups. Data collection tools were Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21). The questionnaires were completed by both groups before and after the one-week intervention. Data were analyzed through using the SPSS 20 software, descriptive statistics, paired and independent t test and analysis of covariance.

Results: The mean change score of stress, anxiety and depression of family members of patients after educational-supportive intervention were 7.38 ± 3.68, 7.22 ± 3.01 and 6.67 ± 3.3, respectively in the intervention group and were significantly higher than control group 3.23 ± 1.09, 2.37 ± 0.27 and 7.2 ± 0.72 (P < 0.05). Analysis of covariance showed that the mean score of stress, anxiety and depression of family members in two groups after intervention were significantly different (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: According to effect of educational- supportive intervention on reduction of stress, anxiety and depression of family members, it is essential to apply these interventions in educational programs and family- centered care.