Interpreting the lived experiences of home caregivers in the families of patients with COVID-19 in Iran: a phenomenological study

Background Following the spread of COVID-19, many patients received home care services for recovery. The family is one of the informal caregivers who provide daily physical and psychological support to the patient, and they have the most contributions in the care of patients. Objective This study explains the experiences of home caregivers in the families of patients with COVID-19. Methods This is a qualitative study with a hermeneutic phenomenological approach. Purposeful sampling was applied, and semi-structured interviews in the Center of COVID-19 Control in Khoy, Iran, were used to collect the information. Twenty-three family caregivers, who had already provided care for patients with COVID-19 at home, participated in the study. The themes emerged from interviews. The interviews were recorded and transcripted and then analyzed using Dickelman's interpretive phenomenological approach. Results Thirteen primary concepts, six sub-themes and three main themes were extracted from the data analysis, including 'Irrational fear of disease' with sub-themes: fear of getting infected and indulging in strength of immune system; 'Increasing the burden of care in caregivers' with sub-themes: lack of support and caregiver`s family challenges; and 'Self-reinforcement' with sub-themes: highlighting positive features and turning to spirituality. Conclusion Understanding the complexities, experiences and beliefs of family caregivers about living with a COVID-19 patient provides a comprehensive perception of the psychological and physical consequences of care. Executive decision-makers, health care personnel and mental health professionals can also take the necessary strategies to support and manage home caregivers and interdisciplinary cooperation.