Exploring challenges among Iranian family caregivers of seniors with multiple chronic conditions: a qualitative research study

BACKGROUND: It is believed that seniors with multiple chronic diseases are in dire need of support from their family caregivers; however, it can impose a significant burden on these caregivers. Therefore, it is imperative to take into account caregivers’ needs, as covert patients, along with the needs of patients; besides, it is necessary to develop supportive and health promotion programs for them. There is a critical gap in the knowledge about health problems related to family caregivers of the growing population of these senior citizens. The present study aimed to explain the challenges imposed on family caregivers of seniors with several chronic diseases in Iran. METHODS: This study was conducted based on the conventional qualitative content analysis method. For this purpose, 13 family caregivers of seniors with several chronic diseases were selected using the purposive sampling method. The study population included those referred to two health centers and outpatient clinics of two public hospitals in Khorramabad, Iran. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was performed along with data collection using inductive thematic analysis proposed by Elo and Kyngäs. Besides, Guba and Lincoln’s criteria were used to ensure the trustworthiness of the data. RESULTS: The analysis of the obtained data led to the identification of challenges of family caregivers of the older patients with multiple chronic diseases; these challenges were classified into six main categories, including the impact of caregiving on family relationships, disruption of social relationships, disruption of personal and occupational plans, physical health-related issues, negative emotions, and dealing with the high costs of care. CONCLUSIONS: Given that family caregivers may face several challenges while taking care of seniors with multiple chronic diseases, healthcare providers should design and plan various interventions based on such challenges using a caregiver-centered approach.