Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Department of Nursing, Shahid Beheshti School of Nursing and Midwifery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
2 Department of Nursing, Shahid Beheshti School of Nursing and Midwifery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
3 Department of Nursing, Amol Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
4 Department of Nursing, Shahid Beheshti School of Nursing and Midwifery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
Abstract
Background: Family caregivers of gastrointestinal cancer patients face many challenges during care, which can affect their health and quality of life. Identifying these challenges is essential to help solve them. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of explaining the care challenges of family caregivers of patients with gastrointestinal cancer.
Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using the conventional content analysis method. A semi-structured interview was used to collect data. The participants included 11 family caregivers of gastrointestinal cancer patients who were included in the study through purposive sampling. Interviews continued until data saturation. Data were managed using MAXQDA software (version 10). Data analysis was done through the method proposed by Elo and Kyngäs.
Results: Data analysis led to the identification of four main categories: non-supportive health care system, lack of social support, care strain and unmet educational needs.
Conclusion: The findings of this study show that family caregivers of gastrointestinal cancer patients face many challenges in different dimensions during care. Identifying these challenges and their source can help health care system planners and nurses to reduce their suffering by providing programs based on caregivers' needs, appropriate training, facilities and services to family caregivers.
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