Meaning of informal caregivers in the care of people with chronic conditions.

OBJECTIVES

to understand the meanings attributed to caregiving by informal caregivers in their interaction with people with chronic conditions.

METHODS

qualitative, phenomenological-hermeneutic study. Twenty caregivers of people with chronic illnesses and dependency participated, using Van Manen's methodology.

RESULTS

four themes emerged: family support as a source of emotional strength; spirituality as a source of support for caregiving; the economic complexity of caregiving; and the struggle for access to health care. Caregivers expressed how the support of their families and their faith enable them to cope with the emotional burden, while economic difficulties and barriers to accessing health care represent constant sources of distress.

CONCLUSIONS

the results demonstrate the need for public policies that recognize informal caregiving, improve caregivers' conditions, and promote their physical and emotional well-being through financial support strategies, training, and equitable access to health services.