Experiences of family caregivers of patients with COVID-19

BACKGROUND: Family caregivers of patients with COVID-19 face many challenges that affect their physical and mental health. AIM: The aim of the present study was to explore experiences of family caregivers of patients with COVID-19. METHODS: This phenomenological study was performed based on 13 family caregivers who had experience in home caring for patients with COVID-19. Data were collected through purposive sampling with in-depth semi-structured interviews. The Colaizzi's 7-step method was used to determine themes. The MAXQDA10 software was used to manage qualitative data analysis. RESULTS: Thirteen family caregivers participated. Five main themes describe family caregivers' experiences of caring for patients with COVID-19: nature of the disease; unmet needs; unpleasant physical, psychological, and social experiences; care facilitators and positive experiences. CONCLUSION: Information and financial support for COVID-19 should be provided to family caregivers. Also, community members should embrace patients and family caregivers and reinforce the positive experiences of caregivers. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-021-01489-7.