Abstract:
The study placed its focus on the lived experiences of family caregivers of cancer
patients in the Philippine General Hospital, and how their caregiving experiences
influenced their well-being. The study aimed to describe caregiver well-being and
caregiving experiences of family caregivers, and enumerate the protective and risk factors
associated with their well-being. The research was pursued in order to understand the
support needs of family caregivers with respect to the role of caring for cancer patients in
the Philippine setting. The results of the qualitative inquiry can be of help to healthcare
providers in preserving the functional health of caregivers of cancer patients with respect
to their personal well-being and in turn, their role in cancer healthcare delivery.
The conduct of the study was guided by qualitative research design. Semistructured
in-depth interview was conducted with a total of 11 participants. Thematic
analysis was used in creating the common themes reported by the participants regarding
their lived experience as family caregivers. The three major themes that emerged from
the responses are 1) Protective Factors of Well-being, 2) Risk Factors of Well-being, and
3) Role of Family Member as a Caregiver. It was found that although family caregivers of
cancer patients face various risk factors in the caregiving experience that endanger their
well-being, there are numerous well-being resources from which they can draw strength
and meaning as they accomplish their role as caregivers. The caregiving experience of
family caregivers involves beneficial and detrimental factors that show the need for
attention and support from healthcare providers in the country.
