Shahnaz Nemati1, Maryam Rassouli2, Mahnaz Ilkhani3, Ahmad Reza Baghestani4. 1. Nursing & Midwifery School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2. Pediatric Nursing Department, Nursing & Midwifery School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 3. Lecturer & Director of Continuing Education Center, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 4. Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The experience of caring for a family member with cancer is associated with several care-related problems and challenges for the caregiver. The comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the trials and tribulations of caregiving can be a step towards resolving the problems faced by family caregivers of these patients. AIM: The present study aimed to explore challenges faced by Iranian family caregivers of cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present qualitative study was conducted through in-depth semi-structured interviews held with 21 family caregivers of cancer patients selected through purposive sampling. Interviews continued until saturation of data. All interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed through conventional content analysis. FINDING: The codes extracted from interviews produced four main themes, including 'confusion', 'uncertainty', 'disintegration' and 'setback', which collectively caused suffering for family caregivers. CONCLUSION: Care provided in an atmosphere of suffering and discontent diminishes caregiver's quality of life and quality of patient care. Health planners should therefore consider the challenges and sufferings faced by family caregivers and should seek to obviate them through appropriate plans.
BACKGROUND: The experience of caring for a family member with cancer is associated with several care-related problems and challenges for the caregiver. The comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the trials and tribulations of caregiving can be a step towards resolving the problems faced by family caregivers of these patients. AIM: The present study aimed to explore challenges faced by Iranian family caregivers of cancerpatients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present qualitative study was conducted through in-depth semi-structured interviews held with 21 family caregivers of cancerpatients selected through purposive sampling. Interviews continued until saturation of data. All interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed through conventional content analysis. FINDING: The codes extracted from interviews produced four main themes, including 'confusion', 'uncertainty', 'disintegration' and 'setback', which collectively caused suffering for family caregivers. CONCLUSION: Care provided in an atmosphere of suffering and discontent diminishes caregiver's quality of life and quality of patient care. Health planners should therefore consider the challenges and sufferings faced by family caregivers and should seek to obviate them through appropriate plans.
Authors: Yingzi Zhang; Supriya Mohile; Eva Culakova; Sally Norton; Kah Poh Loh; Sindhuja Kadambi; Lee Kehoe; Valerie Aarne Grossman; Victor G Vogel; Brian L Burnette; Thomas P Bradley; Marie Flannery Journal: Psychooncology Date: 2022-02-20 Impact factor: 3.955