Family Caregivers' Experiences in Caring for Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: A Phenomenological Study
Keywords:
caregiver, diabetes mellitus, patient care, phenomenology, family supportAbstract
Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) require sustained caregiving support from their families. Family caregivers play a pivotal role in supporting blood glucose control and treatment adherence among patients with DM. An in-depth understanding of caregiver experiences is needed to develop precisely targeted family nursing interventions. The study aimed to identify the experiences of family caregivers in providing care for patients with DM in the community. A phenomenological design was employed. Six caregivers of patients with DM enrolled in the Chronic Disease Management Program through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews until data saturation was achieved and were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step technique. Five major themes emerged: (1) understanding of diabetes based on patient symptoms and causes; (2) home-based care efforts for patients with DM; (3) barriers experienced by caregivers; (4) caregiving motivation grounded in religious devotion and affection; and (5) ease of obtaining care-related information from health workers. The essential structure of the experience centred on caregiving as an expression of family obligation, affection, and spiritual devotion. Family caregivers carry out their caregiving roles on the basis of obligation, affection, and spiritual values. Structured and well-planned family education programs are needed to optimize the caregiver role in DM control.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Nandang Jamiat Nugraha, Haris Hidayat, Dhika Dharmansyah, Fadilah Estutian Purnama, Syalsa Nabila Octaviani, Melan Melani
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