Challenges Encountered by Family Caregivers of Prostate Cancer Patients: A Qualitative Inquiry

Abstract

Background In Ghana, prostate cancer is more prevalent than all other cancers with a mortality rate of 75% partly as a result of late presentation to the health care facilities. Limited health services provision across the country and shortages of skilled nurses place a signi¦cant demand on family caregivers who are often ill-equipped for the caring role resulting in a lot of challenges. As they are expected to provide complex care at home with little resources, information, and support, yet, the healthcare system rarely addresses the challenging needs of these family caregivers. This study explored the Challenges encountered by family caregivers of people with prostate cancer. Methods A qualitative phenomenological descriptive study was adapted using a semi-structured interview guide to conduct indepth interviews with twelve (12) family caregivers of prostate cancer patients selected through a purposive sampling technique at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically. Findings The signi¦cant statement extracted from verbatim transcripts (analysis of transcripts) produced three main themes as key challenges relating to; Education and Training needs, Resources and Caregiver-nurse relationship issues with seven (7) sub-themes that collectively hindered the family caregivers ability to effectively perform their caring role. Thus making it di¨cult for them to meet the care demands. Sub-themes that emerged were; lack of preparedness towards the caring role, lack of knowledge about condition/ treatment, misconception about the condition, lack of accommodation facilities, ¦nancial constraints, poor communication and poor staff attitude. Conclusion Caregiving is associated with signi¦cant challenges that hinder family caregiver’s ability to effectively care for the patient; further diminishing caregiver’s quality of life and quality of patient care. Healthcare professionals especially nurses should, therefore, consider these challenges faced by family caregivers and put in measures to obviate them through education, preparation, and support.