Experiences of Family Caregivers in Caring for Patients with Schizophrenia: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Family caregivers of individuals with schizophrenia in Iran face unique challenges due to the chronic nature of the illness and limited mental health infrastructure. Understanding their experiences within the sociocultural context of Iran, particularly in resource-constrained settings such as Guilan, is vital for developing culturally sensitive interventions. Objectives: To explore the lived experiences of family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia in Guilan, Iran, with an emphasis on culturally specific challenges and strengths. Methods: This qualitative study, conducted from March 2022 to January 2023 at a psychiatric hospital in Guilan, employed conventional content analysis. Fifteen family caregivers were purposively selected to maximize variation in socio-demographic characteristics until data saturation was achieved. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman’s approach. Results: Three main themes emerged: “Culturally Shaped Caregiving Challenges”, “Support Needs in a Resource-Limited Context”, and “Positive Caregiving Outcomes”, encompassing nine subthemes. Caregivers faced emotional, social, and financial burdens, which were intensified by regional stigma and Islamic cultural expectations. Positive outcomes included strengthened family bonds and personal resilience. Conclusions: In Iran, particularly in Guilan, family caregivers require tailored interventions, including psychoeducation, financial subsidies, and stigma reduction programs, to address culturally specific challenges. Policymakers should prioritize family-centered interventions to enhance caregiver well-being and patient outcomes.