Caregiving Burden in Family Caregivers of Patients with Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Content Analysis Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Family caregivers are crucial for the post-discharge recovery of patients who undergo coronary artery bypass graft surgery. They encounter caregiving burdens in various aspects, affecting their well-being and quality of life. This study explored the contributing and alleviating factors of care burden in family caregivers of patients with coronary artery bypass graft surgery through qualitative content analysis.

Materials and methods: In this qualitative study, sixteen family caregivers of patients who had undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery, were included by purposeful sampling from February to September 2023. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted. Interviews were recorded and then transcribed. Conventional content analysis was used for data analysis.

Results: To explain the factors leading to caregiver burden, the three main categories of onslaught of physical and psychological tension, confrontation with multiple roles and tasks, and lack of resources were identified. Furthermore, the two categories of support systems and adaptive coping emerged as factors that alleviate the care burden. Also, 13 subcategories were extracted from the results.

Conclusions: Family caregivers of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery face numerous caregiving challenges in different physical, psychological, social, and financial aspects. In addition to strengthening and applying adaptive coping strategies, it is necessary to plan for the educational and psychological needs and financial support of caregivers.

Keywords: Care burden; coronary artery bypass graft; family caregivers; qualitative research.