Obciążenie psychiczne opiekunów rodzinnych osób z epilepsją w prowincjach Limpopo i Mpumalanga, RPA: Badanie jakościowe
Psychological Burden Among Family Caregivers of People with Epilepsy in Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces, South Africa: A Qualitative Study
W skrócie
Badanie pokazało, że opiekunowie rodzinni osób z epilepsją w rurali RPA doświadczają dużego stresu psychicznego spowodowanego stałym niepokojem o napady, wyczerpaniem emocjonalnym i poczuciem samotności. Respondenci skarżyli się na bezustanne obawy, bezsenność i bezradność, pogorszane przez brak wsparcia i stygmatyzację choroby. Wynika z tego, że osoby opiekujące się chorymi na epilepsję potrzebują profesjonalnej pomocy psychicznej i wsparcia ze strony społeczności lokalnej.
Oryginalny abstract (angielski)
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition that often requires long-term care provided by family members, particularly in low-resource settings. This responsibility places caregivers at risk of significant psychological burden, which remains underexplored in rural South African contexts. This study explored the psychological burden experienced by family caregivers of people with epilepsy in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, South Africa. A qualitative exploratory-descriptive design was employed. A total of 60 informal caregivers were snowball sampled from rural and peri-urban communities in Limpopo ( = 30) and Mpumalanga ( = 30). Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted in participants' preferred languages. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Three interrelated themes emerged, reflecting the psychological burden of caregiving: (1) persistent anxiety and fear related to unpredictable seizures, (2) emotional exhaustion and chronic stress, and (3) social isolation and psychological strain. Caregivers described constant worry, disrupted rest, and feelings of helplessness, often intensified by limited support and stigma associated with epilepsy. Caregivers of people with epilepsy experience a substantial psychological burden shaped by continuous caregiving demands and contextual challenges. There is a need for caregiver-focused mental health support and community-based interventions to reduce burden and improve well-being.