A Qualitative Study of the Role of Social Support in Reducing Caregiver Burden among Families of Orthopedic Patients
Keywords:
Caregiver Burden, Social Support, Family Caregivers, Orthopedic Patients, Descriptive Phenomenology, Qualitative ResearchAbstract
Purpose: This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of family caregivers of orthopedic patients and to clarify the role of social support in reducing their perceived caregiving burden.
Methods and Materials: This qualitative study was conducted using a descriptive phenomenological approach. Participants were family caregivers of orthopedic patients hospitalized at the Bone and Joint Reconstruction Research Center, Shafa Yahyaian Hospital, affiliated with Iran University of Medical Sciences. Participants were selected through purposive sampling with maximum variation in age, caregiving role, occupational status, and type of orthopedic condition. Five information-rich interviews were included in the final analysis. Data were collected through individual semi-structured in-depth interviews and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was performed using Colaizzi’s seven-step phenomenological method, including repeated reading of transcripts, extraction of significant statements, formulation of meanings, clustering of themes, development of a comprehensive description, identification of the fundamental structure of the phenomenon, and participant validation. Trustworthiness was ensured using Lincoln and Guba’s criteria of credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability.
Findings: Analysis resulted in 23 subthemes organized into six main themes: physical and functional burden of caregiving; emotional and psychological vulnerability; financial pressure and disruption of everyday roles; family support and sharing of caregiving responsibility; informational, instrumental, and healthcare-related support; and social connectedness, caregiver recognition, and restorative support. The findings indicated that caregiver burden intensified when physical demands, uncertainty, financial difficulties, family conflict, and social isolation occurred simultaneously. In contrast, emotional reassurance, shared caregiving responsibilities, practical assistance, professional guidance, financial support, companionship, and opportunities for respite reduced the perceived burden and strengthened caregivers’ capacity to continue providing care.
Conclusion: Social support plays a multidimensional protective role in reducing caregiver burden among families of orthopedic patients by decreasing physical workload, emotional distress, uncertainty, isolation, and economic pressure; therefore, caregiver-centered support should be integrated into orthopedic care and discharge planning.
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References
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Copyright (c) 2025 Amir Aminian , Mohamadreza Shakeri (Author); Shahla Shokatpour Lotfi
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