Family caregiver perspectives in caring of stroke patients: A qualitative study

Objective: To explore the perspective of family caregivers who care for stroke patients in North Sumatra Province, Indonesia. Methodology: This qualitative study included 16 family caregivers who were recruited using purposive sampling method. Data were collected from June to August 2022 at Adam Malik Hospital, North Sumatra, Indonesia. We used in-depth semi-structured interviews and interview guidelines. The data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results: Three themes and ten sub-themes were as follows: heavy burden (psychological disorders, limited time for rest, change in social activities, and decreased income); need support and information (requires a support system, using non-pharmacological drugs, and using alternative therapies); and lack of knowledge and skills (lack of knowledge on stroke and its management, lack of knowledge on physical mobility and stroke complications, and lack of knowledge on nutrition). Conclusion: Family caregivers of stroke patients experience a heavy burden, need support and information, and have lack of knowledge and skills in carrying out their duties while caring for patients, because there have been changes in lifestyle before becoming a caregiver.