Navigating the Caregiving Pathway: Understanding the Contextual Influences on Sense of Coherence Among Family Caregivers.

Abstract

Family caregivers of patients with chronic conditions face challenges such as emotional and physical stress, which can lead to caregiver burden. A good sense of coherence (SOC) is crucial in promoting resilience, positive health outcomes, and coping. Caregivers with a high SOC are optimistic about their caregiving roles and finding meaning and purpose in their responsibilities. In this background, we looked into the contextual influences that facilitate or impede the sense of coherence of the family caregivers of patients with chronic conditions requiring home-based long-term care. We conducted telephonic interviews with 10 self-identified primary family caregivers of patients with chronic conditions. We utilized semi-structured interview guidelines, transcribed the interviews verbatim, and performed thematic analysis. Potential factors influencing caregivers' SOC were identified through inductive coding, allowing themes to emerge from the data. However, we report themes along the three components of SOC. Good knowledge about the disease conditions, open communication with care recipients and providers, and past caregiving experiences all contribute to improving comprehensibility. Insufficient knowledge about the condition could be distressing. Effective management requires adapting care strategies through learning, planning, and utilizing available resources, and support networks, too, play a crucial role. However, insufficient caregiver support and neglecting one's health can result in distress and disruptions in care management. Maintaining positive perspectives and ascribed values to interpersonal connections can enhance meaningfulness among caregivers. These interpretations may not apply to caregivers with affective disorders. Various aspects influence the comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness pertaining to the situation of family caregivers, and these in turn impact their well-being and ability to provide quality care. Understanding these factors can help create support systems with targeted interventions and strategies to reduce caregiver burden and improve quality of life.