A qualitative investigation of perceptions of stress and coping strategies employed by caregivers of individuals with a traumatic brain injury in KwaZulu-Natal : a retrospective study.
Date
2017
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Abstract
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a major health and socio-economic concern which
negatively impacts communities worldwide (Maas, Stocchetti & Bullock 2008; Udoh &
Adeyemo, 2013). Although most traumatic brain injury survivors recover completely,
approximately 10-15 % may continue to experience physical, cognitive and emotional
disturbances well beyond the expected recovery period (Mokhosi & Grieve, 2004). In
South Africa, access to care facilities and rehabilitation is costly and limited. Thus, the
patient’s family members are usually left to care for the patient at home (Webster, Taylor
& Balchin, 2015). The process of adapting to the caregiver role as well as performing
caregiver duties can be stressful for family members (Degeneffe, 2001). This is because
the patient’s accident is usually unexpected and performing caregiver duties or
rehabilitation activities may also be unfamiliar (Chronister, 2010).
The aim of the present study was to investigate the experiences of caregivers of TBI
patients to better understand which situations were perceived to be particularly stressful
and which coping strategies were commonly adopted. Following a qualitative approach,
semi-structured interviews were conducted with six participants. The findings of the
present study were generally consistent with the findings of previous similar studies, with
some unique contributions (Rawlins-Alderman, 2014; Verhaeghe, Defloor & Grypdonk
2005; Bond, Draeger, Mandleco & Donnelly, 2003; Minnes, Graffi, Nolte, Carlson &
Harrick, 2000; Degeneffe, 2001). The caregiver stressors that were frequently reported
included hospital experiences, sequelae of TBI, caregiver responsibilities, social
networks, financial burden and limited resources. In attempt to better manage these
stressors, the caregivers reportedly adopted both problem-focused and emotion-focused
coping strategies. The outcomes of the current study may contribute towards positively
supporting the caregiver experience and developing intervention programs that benefit
both TBI survivors and their families in the future.
Description
Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.