Psychosocial Health Experiences and Coping Strategies of Family Caregivers of Adults With Cancer: A Qualitative Study

Background and Aims Family caregivers play an important, all‐encompassing role in supporting adult patients diagnosed with cancer. This study explored the psychosocial health experiences and coping strategies of family caregivers of adults with cancer in a Ghanaian Teaching Hospital. Methods The study employed a descriptive exploratory qualitative design. Fourteen family caregivers of adult patients with cancer were purposively selected for the study. A semi‐structured interview guide was used to collect data, which was then analysed using thematic analysis. Results The family caregivers were aged between 20 to 65 years. Twelve out of the 14 care recipients were females, and their ages ranged from 41 to 70 years, with six aged between 41 and 50 years. Nine themes emerged from the study and were grouped under the four main dimensions of psychosocial health. Mental health: “The thinking is many” and “I always feel depressed”; Emotional health: “Your whole mood changes” and “I am very frustrated”; Social Health: “I don't have time” and “Neglect”. Three themes were identified as coping strategies, of which one fell within the spiritual health dimension: “I know that my God lives” and two on social health: “We try to adjust” and “Family support”. Conclusion Efforts to improve the quality of life of family caregivers of adult patients with cancer should focus on interventions that address the mental, emotional and social aspects of life. It is recommended that nurses consider the mental, emotional, social, spiritual and financial aspects of the family caregiving process as part of the effort to deliver comprehensive family‐centered care.