DOI LINK: https://doi.org/10.59879/Px6aL

Paper ID:Px6aL

Volume:168

Issue:4

Title:The Lived Experience of Family Caregivers of Persons With Serious Mental Illness In Saudi Arabia

Abstract:The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of family caregivers of persons with serious mental illnesses at home. A hermeneutic phenomenology study was utilized. Data were collected via purposive and snowball sampling. In-depth phone calls and semi-structured interviews of 15 family caregivers using open-ended questions were used. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data was analyzed using Diekelmann’s process and guided by Ray\'s Transcultural Caring Dynamics Model. Findings identified an overall theme of “the dynamic of an endless cycle of care” and three relational themes: (a) development of caring experiences, (b) living culture values and beliefs, and (c) meaning of care. The findings informed the development of culturally appropriate systems through an understanding of families’ experiences from a cultural perspective to value patient and family-centered care, social support, and enhanced community mental health care.

Keywords:mental disorders, hermeneutics, caregivers, lived experiences.

Authors:Samirh Said Alqhtani*,Beth King, Charlotte Barry,Laura Vernon

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