The challenges characterizing the lived experience of caregiving. A qualitative study in the field of spinal cord injury.

ABSTRACT:

Study design

Qualitative exploratory study.

Objectives

To explore the lived experience of SCI caregivers, with a focus on the challenges of their role.

Setting

Caregivers of people with SCI living in the community in Switzerland.

Methods

Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was performed.

Results

The sample included 22 participants (16 women, 15 life partners) with a mean age of 61 years who had been caregivers for an average of 18 years. Caregiving in SCI seemed to be characterized by two phases. The first phase was relatively short and was central to becoming a caregiver; it was marked by challenges related to adjusting to the role of caregiver (e.g., dealing with shock, feeling unprepared). The second phase is life

SUBMITTER: Zanini C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8110474 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature