Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Requirements for promoting help‑seeking behaviors in family caregivers of cancer patients: A qualitative study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

. Behzad Hamedani 1
. Mousa Alavi 2
. Fariba Taleghani
. Malek Fereidooni Moghadam 2

1 Isfahan University of medical Sciences

2 Department of Adult Health Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Caring for a family member with cancer is a challenging issue for families. Family
caregivers often need the help of supportive resources to solve problems in their care role. A deep
understanding of the requirements of caregivers to seek help is an effective step toward their ability
to use supportive resources. This study aimed to identify and describe the requirements for promoting
help‑seeking behaviors in Iranian family caregivers of cancer patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted through in‑depth semi‑structured
interviews with 28 participants selected using purposeful sampling method from 2019 to 2021. An
interview guide with general questions about seeking help was used to maintain coherence in data
collection. The interviews continued until data saturation. All interviews were recorded, transcribed
and analyzed through qualitative content analysis.
RESULTS: The requirements of promoting help‑seeking behaviors in family caregivers
were grouped into four main categories: (1) improving social paths toward seeking help, (2)
spiritual‑psychological‑cognitive empowerment toward seeking help, (3) strengthening the motivations
behind seeking help, and (4) modifying the perception of cultural barriers to seeking help.
CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, it is expected that by identifying the requirements
of caregivers for seeking help and by health stakeholders designing comprehensive programs to
address these needs, caregivers will be empowered to use supportive resources and provide a
better care role.


Keywords

Family caregiver
help‑seeking behavior
neoplasm
qualitative research
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Journal of Education and Health Promotion
Volume 13, Issue 2
February 2023
Pages 1-7

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