Abstract
BACKGROUND: Informal caregivers played a significant role in caring for COVID-19 patients during hospitalization in Nepal. This study aimed to understand the experiences of family caregivers attending to their relatives in a COVID-19 hospital in Nepal. METHODS: A descriptive phenomenological approach was adopted to understand the caregiver's experience in supporting their relatives admitted to the COVID-19 hospital of the BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS). Thirteen caregivers of COVID-19 positive patients were purposively selected from April to June, 2022. Face-to-face interviews were conducted at a caregiver residential facility using the interview schedule developed by the department for the purpose of data collection after obtaining ethical clearance from the Institutional review committee of BPKIHS. Data were audio recorded and manually analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 13 caregivers, six were male and seven were female. The findings were categorized into five domains: challenges encountered, changes in physical and mental health, changes in roles and responsibilities, positive experiences, and strategies to ease caregiving tasks. Major challenges included financial burdens, communication problems, stigmatization, Insecurity, substandard accommodation, and visitor restrictions. Caregivers reported negative emotions, unmet physical health needs, and shifts in family and occupational roles. Despite these challenges, caregivers attempted to cope positively and acknowledged the efforts of healthcare personnel and other family members. Suggestions for improving caregiving included providing essential medical and basic services within the hospital, enhancing accommodation facilities, establishing proper communication channels, and allowing visitations. CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers of COVID-19 patients face significant challenges during the caregiving process. Enhancing hospital services, promoting effective communication, fostering positive attitudes, and ensuring a safe environment can facilitate caregiving tasks.