Family Caregivers’ Perspectives of the Economic Burden Imposed through Caring for Family Members with Cancer in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Phindile Mlaba ◽  
Themba Ginindza ◽  
Khumbulani Hlongwana
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Family Member ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Economic Burden ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Subjective Experiences ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Data Saturation ◽  
Living With Cancer

This study explored the perspectives of family caregivers of the economic burden imposed by caring for their family members who are living with cancer in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This study employed qualitative methods to explore the subjective experiences of the family caregivers caring for family members living with cancer, drawing from the interpretivist paradigm. Data saturation was reached after conducting 20 in-depth interviews among family caregivers. The participating family caregivers were actively involved in caring or previously had the experience of caring for a family member with cancer. The interview questions focused on the caregivers’ perspectives of the economic burden of caring for a family member with cancer. Three key themes emerged from the analysis of the research findings, namely, the loss of income, financial coping before the cancer diagnosis, and financial challenges due to the cancer diagnosis. Cancer caregiving can be financially taxing on families, and impose more strain especially on families with low-household incomes. There is a need for health policymakers to consider exploring financial relief mechanisms for families who care for members living with cancer.

scholarly journals Family Caregivers’ Perspectives of the Economic Burden Imposed through Caring for Family Members with Cancer in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phindile Chantalle Mlaba ◽  
Themba Ginindza ◽  
Khumbulani Hlongwana
Keyword(s):  
Family Member ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Economic Burden ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Subjective Experiences ◽  
Care Giving ◽  
Data Saturation ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Living With Cancer ◽  
Household Incomes

Abstract Background This study explored the perspectives of family caregivers on the economic burden imposed through caring for their family members who are living with cancer in KwaZulu-Natal.Methods This study employed qualitative methods to explore the subjective experiences of the family caregivers caring for family members living with cancer, drawing from the interpretivist paradigm. Data saturation was reached after conducting 20 in-depth interviews among family caregivers. These family caregivers were either actively involved in caring for or previously had the experience of caring for a family member with cancer. Interview questions focused on the caregivers’ perspectives of the economic burden of caring for a family member with cancer.Results Three key themes emerged from the analysis of the research findings. These themes were: loss of income, financial coping prior to the cancer diagnosis, and financial challenges due to the cancer diagnosis.Conclusions Cancer care giving can be financially taxing on families, and especially impose more strain on families with low household incomes. There is a need for health policy makers to consider exploring financial relief mechanisms for families caring for members living with cancer.

scholarly journals Reintegration of Women Post Obstetric Fistula Repair: Experience of Family Caregivers

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 233339361771492 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly Jarvis ◽  
Solina Richter ◽  
Helen Vallianatos ◽  
Lois Thornton
Keyword(s):  
Family Member ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Obstetric Fistula ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Fistula Repair ◽  
The Social ◽  
Return Home

In northern Ghana, families traditionally function as the main provider of care. The role of family, however, is becoming increasingly challenged with the social shifts in Ghanaian culture moving from extended kinship to nuclear households. This has implications for the care of women post obstetric fistula (OF) repair and their family members who assist them to integrate back into their lives prior to developing the condition. This research is part of a larger critical ethnographic study which explores a culture of reintegration. For this article, we draw attention to the findings related to the experience of family caregivers who care for women post OF repair in northern Ghana. It is suggested that although family caregivers are pleased to have their family member return home, there are many unanticipated physical, emotional, and economic challenges. Findings lead to recommendations for enhancing the reintegration process and the need for adequate caregiving support.

scholarly journals Distinctive nursing practices in working with mothers to care for hospitalised children at a district hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: a descriptive observational study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natasha North ◽  
Angela Leonard ◽  
Candice Bonaconsa ◽  
Thobeka Duma ◽  
Minette Coetzee
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Family Involvement ◽  
Nursing Practice ◽  
District Hospital ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Models Of Care ◽  
Inpatient Ward ◽  
Visual Research Methods ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Global North

Abstract Background: The presence of family members and their active involvement in caring for hospitalised children is an established practice in many African paediatric settings, with family members often regarded as a resource. This aspect of African paediatric nursing practice lacks formal expression or a clear conceptual basis, and difficulties arise when applying concepts of family involvement originating from the higher-resourced and culturally distinct practice environments of the global North. The aim of this study was to articulate a nurse-led practice innovation intended to facilitate family involvement in the care of hospitalised children, observed in a paediatric inpatient ward in a district hospital in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.Methods: A qualitative case study design was used. Data collection included visual research methods (graphic facilitation, sociograms and photo-elicitation) as well as a focus group, interviews and practice observation. Activities associated with 20 nurses and 22 mother-child dyads were observed. Data were subjected to content analysis, with Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) applied. Results: Findings relate to six aspects of practice, categorised thematically as: preserving the mother-child pair; enabling continuous presence; psychological support and empathy; sharing knowledge; mothers as a resource; and belief and trust. Conclusion: The nursing practices and organisational policies observed in this setting relating to the facilitation of continuous maternal presence represent a distinctive nursing practice innovation. This deliberate practice contrasts with models of care provision which originate in the global North, such as Family Centred Care, and contrasts with informal practices in local African settings which tolerate the presence of mothers in other settings, as well as local institutional policies which limit mothers’ presence to varying extents.

scholarly journals Experiences of people affected by rabies in Ethekwini district in the province of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 150-157
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Mduduzi Hadebe ◽  
Maureen Nokuthula Sibiya
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Family Stability ◽  
Notifiable Disease ◽  
The Past ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Data Saturation ◽  
Care Assistance ◽  
Rabies Exposure

Background: South Africa is one of the countries in Africa adversely affected by rabies, a notifiable disease which can be fatal. Fatalities can be prevented if health care is sought timeously and people are educated about the disease. The Province of Kwa- Zulu-Natal, in particular, has had rabies outbreaks in the past which have led to loss of many lives and devastation of entire families. Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of people affected by rabies in the eThekwini district of Kwa- Zulu-Natal, South Africa. Methods: The study was guided by a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive design. The sample was purposively selected, and a semi-structured interview was used to collect data from people affected by rabies in the eThekwini district. Data saturation was reached after 12 participants were interviewed. Data was analysed by using Tesch’s eight steps of thematic analysis. Results: The themes included family stability and support structures, exposure to risk factors and risky practices, factors that hindered participants from seeking health care assistance, limited knowledge about rabies and the effects of rabies. Conclusion: It was evident that participants experienced many challenges during their rabies exposure. Individuals, who were directly affected by rabies through contact with rabid animals, were expected to take responsibility for their own lives. Keywords: Rabies; South Africa; qualitative research. 

scholarly journals Entrepreneurial networks: Findings from a South African study

2004 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 589-600 ◽  
Author(s):  
BC Mitchell ◽  
MJ Co
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Empirical Study ◽  
South African ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Network Ties ◽  
African Study ◽  
Entrepreneurial Networks ◽  
South Africans ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Long Time

The purpose of the empirical study is to make intelligible how entrepreneurs use networks, as well as describe the characteristics of these networks. A survey of 325 entrepreneurs from the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa was conducted. Results indicate that although South African entrepreneurs have more contacts in their networks, they spend less time in developing and maintaining contacts when compared to their international counterparts. Results show that South Africans have established their network ties for a long time, although most of the contacts were met through the entrepreneur’s own effort rather than through referrals. Results also show that most of the network members are either friends or family members, which is different to international findings where most network members are business associates.

Emotional burden and distress among caregivers of cancer patients.

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e20722-e20722
Author(s):  
Harpreet Sidhu ◽  
Mir Asif Alikhan ◽  
Michael Glasser
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Family Member ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Providers ◽  
Care Providers

e20722 Background: Due to the nature of the disease, caregivers of patients with cancer encounter high levels of burden and distress. Very little research has examined the needs of cancer caregivers and ways to address these needs. Health providers might overlook the emotional aspects of a disease and diagnosis, being occupied and busy with other aspects of patient care. Methods: Questionnaires with a focus on personal physical health, emotional health, care received, and medical care in general were handed out to patients and family members. Health providers were given similar questionnaires. Results: There were 45 participants in total: 18 health providers, 10 patients, and 17 family members. Similarities or differences between the attitudes of family members, health providers, and patients were found. Providers more negatively assessed the effect of a patient’s cancer on the well-being of family members than did patients/family members. Family member physical health was more negatively rated [P < 0.001] by providers, as was family member emotional health [P< 0.001]. Providers were also more likely to check distresses on the NCCN distress thermometer than were patients/family members. Responses were similar between urban and rural participants. Conclusions: Family members did not feel that the cancer diagnosis had affected their overall well-being in an overtly negative way. Health care providers believed that the cancer diagnosis had more of a negative effect on family member well-being. Future studies should look at attitudes of doctors/physicians versus other health providers to family member well-being after a patient’s cancer diagnosis.

scholarly journals The social burden experienced by families caring for members living with cancer in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Phindile C. Mlaba ◽  
Themba G. Ginindza ◽  
Khumbulani W. Hlongwana
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Social Burden ◽  
The Social ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Cancer Caregiving ◽  
The Impact

Background: Cancer is a global public health problem and it affects people in different ways. Family caregivers (FCs) play an essential role in caring for patients with cancer, and thus, they experience many caregiver burdens that go unnoticed.Aim: This research study explored the social burden that families experience in providing care to their family members living with cancer.Setting: This study was conducted in Durban and Pietermaritzburg, cities located in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.Methods: This was a qualitative study using the interpretative phenomenological approach that was ideal for understanding FCs subjective perspectives on their cancer caregiving experience. Data saturation were reached at 20 in-depth interviews.Results: Two major themes culminated from the data analysis; dynamics of a cancer diagnosis and psychosocial impact of a cancer diagnosis with respective sub-themes. Themes centred around the relational impact of a cancer diagnosis with FCs experiencing a shift in this dynamic and a disturbance to normality in social life. Social support systems were found to play a meaningful role in mitigating the impact of a cancer diagnosis with financial, psychosocial and educational support considered essential needs.Conclusion: Cancer caregiving is a challenging task that also presents opportunities for strengthening family bonds as they evolve in new paths. A family-centred care approach is recommended as a form of social support with further collaboration with health care providers for guided patient care. If the needs of FCs are addressed accordingly through health care policies and interventions, FCs may be able to provide better care and support for their family members with cancer and thus positively impact cancer survivorship.

scholarly journals Distinctive nursing practices in working with mothers to care for hospitalised children at a district hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: a descriptive observational study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natasha North ◽  
Angela Leonard ◽  
Candice Bonaconsa ◽  
Thobeka Duma ◽  
Minette Coetzee
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Family Involvement ◽  
Nursing Practice ◽  
District Hospital ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Models Of Care ◽  
Inpatient Ward ◽  
Active Involvement ◽  
Visual Research Methods ◽  
Kwazulu Natal

Abstract Background: The presence of family members and their active involvement in caring for hospitalised children is an established practice in many African paediatric settings, with family members often regarded as a resource. This aspect of African paediatric nursing practice lacks formal expression or a clear conceptual basis, and difficulties arise when applying concepts of family involvement originating from the culturally distinct practice environments of higher resourced settings including Europe and America. The aim of this study was to articulate a nurse-led practice innovation intended to facilitate family involvement in the care of hospitalised children, observed in a paediatric inpatient ward in a district hospital in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methods: A qualitative case study design was used. Data collection included visual research methods (graphic facilitation, sociograms and photo-elicitation) as well as a focus group, interviews and practice observation. Activities associated with 20 nurses and 22 mother-child dyads were observed. Data were subjected to content analysis, with Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) applied. Results: Findings relate to six aspects of practice, categorised thematically as: preserving the mother-child pair; enabling continuous presence; psychological support and empathy; sharing knowledge; mothers as a resource; and belief and trust. Conclusion: The nursing practices and organisational policies observed in this setting relating to the facilitation of continuous maternal presence represent a distinctive nursing practice innovation. This deliberate practice contrasts with models of care provision which originate in higher resourced settings including Europe and America, such as Family Centred Care, and contrasts with informal practices in local African settings which tolerate the presence of mothers in other settings, as well as local institutional policies which limit mothers’ presence to varying extents.

scholarly journals Multistakeholder Experiences of Providing, Receiving, and Setting Priorities for Lung Cancer Care in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 25-25
Author(s):  
Khumbulani Hlongwana ◽  
Buhle Lubuzo ◽  
Phindile Mlaba ◽  
Sinenhlanhla Zondo ◽  
Themba Ginindza
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Nominal Group Technique ◽  
Nominal Group ◽  
Limited Access ◽  
Kwazulu Natal

PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to explore the key stakeholders’—health care professionals, patients, and family caregivers—experiences of providing, receiving, and setting priorities for lung cancer care in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, with a view to propose potentially effective interventions for improved care. METHODS This was a qualitative study conducted in 5 communities and 3 hospitals offering oncology services in KwaZulu-Natal Province. Data were generated using in-depth interviews and the nominal group technique. Nineteen patients with lung cancer, 20 family caregivers (FCs) and 18 health care professionals (HCPs) were interviewed, with an additional subsample of 7 HCPs participating in the nominal group technique. Results were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Similar to patients with lung cancer and FCs, HCPs were concerned about the limited access to oncology services and poor lung cancer diagnostic facilities, as these also ranked high in HCPs’ priority settings. Limited access was attributed to a lack of lung cancer awareness and low lung cancer suspicion index among different stakeholders, a shortage of health care specialists, poor diagnostic equipment and general resource constraints, unavailability of diagnostic services at the lowest levels of health care (for example, primary health care), geographic location of specialized services, and poor multidisciplinary collaboration. Patients’ perceptions of the quality of care in public health facilities also affected their treatment-seeking behavior. Challenges experienced at the health care worker-patient level also affected the FCs. For example, FCs were psychosocially and economically affected by the caring responsibilities, which, in turn, was an important determinant of a patient’s care pathways. CONCLUSION As a result of this study, new approaches to lung cancer care are being explored, including increased community awareness, the introduction of well-equipped community mobile screening services, patient navigation to track patients, and building cadres for providing and integrating palliative care services into the mainstream health systems.

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