Experiences of family caregivers of patients with stroke in the Cape Coast Metropolis: A descriptive qualitative design

Abstract

This study explored the experiences of informal caregivers of stroke survivors in the Cape Coast Municipality of the Central Region of Ghana. In order to achieve this purpose, a purposive sampling technique was endorsed and used to select twelve caregivers who participated in the study. Data collection which was driven by a semi-structured interview guide was done by the use of tape-recorded interviews which lasted for 45 minutes. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze transcribed data. Three major themes with each having sub-themes were derived. These included challenges caregivers faced, strategies for managing disease-related tasks associated with stroke care and the support system available to caregivers. Findings from the study indicated that challenges that confronted informal caregivers mostly in the discharge of their duties included financial constraint, the health of the caregiver being affected and emotional challenges. It was further revealed that caregivers employed strategies for bathing the patient, strategies for medication, communication strategies and feeding strategies. It was finally revealed that support systems that were available for caregivers of stroke patients included support from families, communities, religious organizations and health professionals. It was, therefore, recommended that a well-designed program aimed at equipping the caregivers with requisite skills that will enable them effectively care for their patients should be organized. Also, there must be followup activities in which nurses and doctors who attended to the caregivers and their patients could visit caregivers in their home to ascertain their challenges as well as that of the patients. The study further recommended that there should be workshops or conferences on home care to enhance nurses’ interest and potentials. In addition, it was recommended that clinicians who have specialized in the care and treatment of stroke are brought to the hospital or if possible trained.