Family caregivers’ perspectives on caring for mentally ill adult patients in tertiary hospital in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: Family Caregivers’ Perspectives on Caring for Mentally Ill Adult Patients

Somia Saghir; Anny  Ashiq Ali; Jalal Khan; Farhana

doi:10.12669/pjms.41.8.12003

Authors

Somia Saghir Shifa College of Nursing, Shifa Tameer- e- Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan. https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1331-6000
Anny Ashiq Ali IQRA University Nursing College, Pakistan. https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7595-0156
Jalal Khan Bilal institute of Nursing and Health Sciences, Pakistan. https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2835-2643
Farhana Shifa College of Nursing, Shifa Tameer- e- Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan. https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2558-0734

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.8.12003

Keywords:

Mental health caregiving, Experiences, Perspectives, Family caregivers, Informal caregivers

Abstract

Background & Objective: Mental health disorders affect approximately 450 million individuals globally, with a significant burden observed in Pakistan. The country faces a critical shortage of mental health professionals, leaving family caregivers (FCGs) as the primary source of care for individuals with psychiatric illnesses.

Objective: This study aims to explore the experiences of family caregivers providing care for mentally ill adult patients admitted to tertiary care hospital in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan.

Methods: A qualitative exploratory descriptive approach was employed, using semi-structured in-depth interviews with family caregivers of mentally ill patients in KPK, Pakistan. Convenience sampling recruited 18 participants from a private tertiary care hospital. Content analysis was conducted using Creswell and Creswell's five-step inductive approach to identify emerging themes and categories.

Results: Findings revealed that caregivers experience a "silent struggle" characterized by internal and external factors. Internal factors include emotional and psychological burdens such as stress, anxiety, and burnout. External factors encompass financial strain, inadequate training and knowledge, healthcare system barriers, and social stigma. Caregivers reported feeling unprepared for their roles, struggling with financial instability due to reduced employment opportunities, and facing difficulties navigating the healthcare system. Additionally, societal stigma further isolates caregivers, limiting their access to social support and exacerbating their emotional distress.

Conclusion: The study emphasizes the need for structured support for caregivers through training, financial aid, and better healthcare access. Policy reforms and community initiatives can enhance caregiver well-being and care quality. Future research should explore interventions to reduce caregiver burden, especially in resource-limited settings.

Author Biographies

Somia Saghir, Shifa College of Nursing, Shifa Tameer- e- Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Somia Saghir is a Phd student and Senior Lecturer at Shifa College of Nursing, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan. With approximately 20 years of combined experience in both international critical care nursing and national-level nursing education, she has made significant contributions to the field. Her expertise spans clinical practice, teaching, and research. She has published in both quantitative and qualitative research, reflecting her dedication to advancing evidence-based nursing practice.

Anny Ashiq Ali, IQRA University Nursing College, Pakistan.

I Anny Ashiq Ali, Assistant professor, IQRA University Nursing College,
I worked in nursing practice and also an experience in quality education, impactful research, and clinical innovation. I am committed to contributing to progressive organizations that foster growth, challenge, and achievement while enhancing healthcare outcomes and supporting the next generation of nurses.

Jalal Khan , Bilal institute of Nursing and Health Sciences, Pakistan.

I Jalal Khan, Principal and Assistant Professor, Bilal Institute of Nursing and Health Sciences, Pakistan. With extensive experience in nursing practice, education, and research, I am dedicated to delivering high-quality education, driving innovation, and mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Farhana, Shifa College of Nursing, Shifa Tameer- e- Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Farhana is a Lecturer at Shifa College of Nursing, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan. With approximately seven years of experience in nursing education, she has made significant contributions to the field. Her expertise includes clinical supervision of nursing students and teaching.

Family caregivers’ perspectives on caring for mentally ill adult patients in tertiary hospital in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan