Family Caregiver’s Perception of Resilience in Caring for Stroke Patients: A Qualitative Research

Abstract

Background: Resilience in stroke family caregivers is one of their most essential abilities to effectively adapt to complicated caregiving conditions. The present study was conducted to understand the family caregiver’s perception of resilience in caring for stroke patients. Materials and Methods: This qualitative content analysis study was done in Besat Hospital of Hamadan, Iran in 2023. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, resulting in 22 face-to-face interviews with 15 caregivers. Data saturation was ensured by conducting additional interviews with three more participants. The interviews, lasting an average of 45 minutes, were conducted in the examination room of the hospital’s neurology ward. Data analysis was carried out using the Granheim and Landman approach. MAXQDA 10 software was utilized for data management. Results: Following qualitative data analysis, 85 primary codes, 17 subcategories, and six overarching categories were identified: cognitive self-care, spiritual self-care, physical health, reinforcement of social relationships, seeking help from others, and meeting the patient’s needs. Three main themes emerged: managing stress, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and addressing the patient’s challenges. Conclusions: The study revealed that family caregivers of stroke patients perceive resilience through coping with stress, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and addressing the patient’s problems. These caregivers often struggle with the overwhelming responsibilities of caring for incapacitated patients, which can impact their resilience. The study’s insights can be valuable for health policymakers and practitioners in improving training programs to support caregivers of chronic patients. To enrich the data, interviews were conducted with experts such as nurses, doctors, and family members of patients.

Keywords

• family caregivers
• qualitative
• research
• resilience
• stroke