EXPLORING THE COPING STRATEGIES ADOPTED BY FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF PATIENTS WITH SPINAL CORD INJURY

Abstract

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating condition and a global health concern caused by trauma or disease, significantly impacting individuals and their families. Caring for individuals with SCI at home often becomes the responsibility of family caregivers, who face substantial physical, emotional, and social challenges. These challenges necessitate effective coping mechanisms to ensure the well-being of both caregivers and patients, making the exploration of these strategies critical to improving caregiving practices and outcomes.

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the coping strategies adopted by family caregivers of patients with incomplete spinal cord injuries.

Methods: A qualitative exploratory study design was employed. Patients with incomplete SCI were enrolled from the Punjab Institute of Neurosciences (PINS), Lahore, and their family caregivers were selected through purposive sampling. A total of ten caregivers, providing home care for more than six months and caregiving for at least 10 hours per week, were recruited until data saturation was achieved. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted using a validated interview grid consisting of two parts: demographic data and questions exploring coping mechanisms. Demographic data were analyzed using SPSS, while qualitative responses were analyzed using NVivo software. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained before data collection.

Results: The study included 50% male and 50% female caregivers, with 40% being spouses, 30% siblings, and 30% offspring. Most caregivers (80%) provided care for 9–12 hours per week, while 20% dedicated 13–15 hours per week. Caregivers relied on three main coping strategies: sources of strength, religious practices, and social support. Spirituality was a key mechanism, with caregivers expressing reliance on prayer and faith to endure challenges. Social support from relatives, neighbors, and friends also played a critical role in alleviating caregiving burdens.

Conclusion: Family caregivers of SCI patients face significant physical and emotional challenges during caregiving. To address these, they utilize coping strategies, including drawing strength from personal resilience, seeking religious and spiritual solace, and leveraging social support networks. These findings underscore the need for structured training programs and support groups to equip caregivers with effective strategies to manage caregiving demands.