Experiences of informal caregivers of patients with stroke in Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

Abstract

Many stroke survivors experience long-term impairments in physical, psychosocial, and cognitive functions that are formidable challenges to

informal caregivers. During the period leading up to and including the stroke

survivors‘ discharge, the informal caregiver will face immense uncertainties

and new challenges. A qualitative phenomenological design was used to

explore the experiences of informal caregivers of persons living with stroke in

the Cape Coast Metropolis. Thirteen respondents were purposively selected from the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital and University of Cape Coast Hospital. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were audio recorded with each interview

lasting between 25 and 45 minutes. Thematic content analysis was used to

analyse the transcribed data and three major themes were derived namely:

nature of caregiving, coping strategies and impact of caregiving. Informal caregivers‘ experiences were characterized with increased daily task, which was time-consuming, stressful, frustrating and financially demanding.

However, caregiving for stroke patients strengthened the relationship between

caregivers and patients. Coping strategies such as watching television,

sleeping, acceptance, patience, tolerance and hope in God further self-

encouragement were employed by these participants. The study also revealed

that generally, caregiving for stroke patients negatively affects the caregivers‘ work, finances, social life and health. Thus, the study recommends that proper

psycho-educational and counselling services should be given to informal caregivers to properly adapt to their situation.