Moderating Factors Influencing Caregiving Burden among Home Caregivers of Stroke Survivors: A Qualitative Content Analysis

Background: Stroke imposes substantial caregiving burden on family members in Iran While predictors of burden are well-documented quantitatively, subjective moderating factors from caregivers' perspectives remain underexplored in this context.Aim: This research aimed to identify moderating factors that alleviate or exacerbate caregiving burden among home caregivers of stroke patients from their lived experiences.Method: This qualitative study employed conventional content analysis. ۱۸ primary family caregivers (۷۳.۳% female; mean age ۴۵.۲±۱۰.۸ years) were purposively recruited. Data were collected via semi-structured in-depth interviews, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed following Graneheim and Lundman's approach using MAXQDA software.Results: Analysis yielded one main theme “Moderating Factors Influencing Caregiving Burden” with four categories: ۱.Patient-Related Factors (functional disability, emotional/behavioral changes, duration since onset); ۲.Caregiver Personal Resources (religious/spiritual coping, resilience, knowledge/preparedness); ۳.Family and Social Support (family assistance, community aid, lack of formal support); and ۴.Socioeconomic and Environmental Factors (financial strain, time/lifestyle disruption, cultural expectations). Implications for Practice: Caregiving burden is dynamically moderated by interplay between exacerbating and protective factors. Findings underscore the need for culturally tailored interventions, including spiritual support programs, caregiver education, and expanded affordable formal services. At the health policy level, establishing sustainable support systems and respite care services is essential to enhance resilience and sustainability of home care in resource-limited settings.

کلیدواژه ها:

Caregiver burden ، Moderating factors ، Qualitative research ، Stroke