Document Type : Original Quantitative and Qualitative Research Paper
Authors
1
Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
2
Patient Safety Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Nursing & Midwifery School, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
10.22038/ebcj.2026.94113.3232
Abstract
Background Stroke imposes substantial caregiving burden on family members in Iran, where home-based care predominates due to cultural norms and limited formal services. While predictors of burden are well-documented quantitatively, subjective moderating factors from caregivers' perspectives remain underexplored in this context. To identify moderating factors that alleviate or exacerbate caregiving burden among home caregivers of stroke patients in Urmia, Iran, from their lived experiences.
Methods This qualitative study employed conventional content analysis. Fifteen primary family caregivers (73.3% female; mean age 45.2±10.8 years) were purposively recruited from neurology clinics and community health centers in Urmia (January–December 2024). Inclusion required ≥3 months of home-based care post-discharge. Data were collected via semi-structured in-depth interviews (45–90 minutes), transcribed verbatim, and analyzed following Graneheim and Lundman’s approach using MAXQDA software. Trustworthiness was ensured through member checking, peer debriefing, audit trail, and COREQ guidelines.
Results Analysis yielded one main theme “Moderating Factors Influencing Caregiving Burden” with four categories: (1) Patient-Related Factors (functional disability, emotional/behavioral changes, duration since onset); (2) Caregiver Personal Resources (religious/spiritual coping, resilience, knowledge/preparedness); (3) Family and Social Support (family assistance, community aid, lack of formal support); and (4) Socioeconomic and Environmental Factors (financial strain, time/lifestyle disruption, cultural expectations). Religious coping and family help emerged as key protective factors, while patient dependency, financial pressures, and absent formal services intensified burden.
Conclusion Caregiving burden is dynamically moderated by interplay between exacerbating (patient severity, socioeconomic constraints) and protective (faith, informal support) factors.
Keywords
Main Subjects
)