Commitment to care: the most important coping strategies among family caregivers of patients undergoing haemodialysis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Caregivers of patients undergoing haemodialysis often experience an intensive burden of care; therefore, it is important to understand the type of strategies that are used by caregivers to adapt and to commit themselves to caring for another individual. AIM: The aim of this study was to explore the specific coping strategies used by family caregivers of patients undergoing haemodialysis. METHODS: In this qualitative study, 16 family caregivers of patients undergoing haemodialysis were selected through purposive sampling in four dialysis centres in south of Iran. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. A content analysis of the interviews was performed to determine relevant themes. RESULTS: Data analysis resulted in the emergence of four categories including 'cultural and religious constructs', 'sense of responsibility', 'self-restraint' and 'satisfactory caring', as whole of these categories are included in the main theme of 'commitment to care' which is experienced by the family caregivers during the care of patients undergoing haemodialysis. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that coping strategies stemming from the cultural beliefs of caregivers are very salient in their commitment to care; thus, the health-care team, especially nurses, should encourage family caregivers to use these strategies to maintain their physical and psychological health and to provide quality care for patients.