Care for the Cardiovascular Accident Survivor: Experiences of Family Caregivers

Abstract

Abstract Background The role of family caregivers in the management of cardiovascular accident (CVA) survivors is invaluable. So far, there is strong evidence affirming the efficacy of effective family support for CVA survivors. Meanwhile, caring for CVA survivors can be labour and time intensive and pretty stressful for caregivers. The purpose was to examine the experiences of family caregivers providing support for CVA survivors. Methods Using a 15-item interview guide and descriptive phenomenology, we gathered and analysed data from 37 family caregivers in the Ho Municipality, Ghana. Results We found that caregivers had limited knowledge about cardiovascular disease-risk factors and were ill-prepared for their roles. Additionally, we found limited knowledge about coping strategies among the caregivers, and further report that some caregivers use fasting and prayer as coping strategies. Conclusions Caregivers suffered broken relationship, loss of jobs and incomes due to their caregiving role. Moreover, some engaged in fasting and prayers and alcohol use to cope with the stress of caregiving. We discuss the implications of our findings to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3.4, which seeks to reduce by 75% mortality due to non-communicable diseases.