Challenges faced by family caregivers of mental health care users in Thulamela Municipality, Limpopo Province

Abstract

Background: The government of South Africa changed from a hospital-based to a community-based mental health care system for mental health care users. The intention was to allow the mental health care users to be cared for in a home setting, in familiar surroundings with family support. Consequently, family members became mental health care user’s caregivers. However, despite the government’s effort, some family caregivers still report being unable to care for their mental health care users. The study aimed to investigate the challenges faced by family caregivers of mental health care users. Methods: The study was conducted using qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design. The population was family caregivers of mental health care users. Non-probability, purposive sampling was used to select a sample of ten participants. Data collection was done through semi-structured interviews, each lasting 30-45 minutes. The study sought to explore the challenges family caregivers faced when caring for mental health care users and the support they received from health care professionals to assist them in caring for these individuals. Probing was done as interviews progressed, guided by the responses of the participants. Data were analysed using Tech’s open-coding method. Measures to ensure trustworthiness were applied and ethical considerations were adhered to. Results: The study showed that family caregivers experience challenges regarding mental health care users’ adherence to medication, disruptive behaviour, interpersonal relationships and lack of support from health care professionals. Recommendations: The study recommended that health care professional give family caregivers professional support to enable them to care for their mental health care users. Health care professionals should educate these patients and their family caregivers about mental illness and the importance of adhering to treatment. Furthermore, family caregivers should be encouraged to seek help from health care professionals as soon as possible when they feel emotionally drained before becoming depressed.