Philippine Journal of Allied Health Sciences 2025;8(2):23-33

doi:10.36413/pjahs.0802.005

A qualitative exploration of stress and occupational engagement among family caregivers of patients with stroke in Cebu, Philippines

Chloe Maxine Menina 1 ; Mary Louise Abellanosa 1 ; Meg Niña Carlyle Balamon 1 ; Alyssa Nicole Bontia 1 ; Friendlee Zoe Gacutno 1 ; Isabella Louise Intalan 1 ; Paolo Miguel Bulan 1

Affiliations

+expand

Keywords

Stress; Occupational Engagement; Coping

Country

Philippines

Language

English

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Caregiving for survivors of stroke often leads to significant stress, impacting caregivers’ health and well-being. This study aims to explore the occupational engagement and coping strategies of family caregivers in a community rehabilitation setting, focusing on the physical, emotional, and financial challenges they face.

METHODS

A qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach was used, employing in-depth interviews with eight family caregivers of stroke survivors. Participants were recruited from a rehabilitation center in a central urban area in Cebu, Philippines. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify recurring patterns and key themes in the caregivers’ experiences.

FINDINGS

Three main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) Navigating Caregiving and Life: Impact on Occupational Engagement, (2) Ripple Effect: The Strain of Emotional and Physical Demands, and (3) Navigating New Normals: Coping Strategies to Manage Caregiving Stress. Caregivers reported disruptions in daily routines, significant emotional and physical strain, and financial burdens. Coping strategies varied from adaptive techniques, such as seeking social support, to maladaptive behaviors like smoking.

CONCLUSIONS

Caregivers experience significant challenges in maintaining their occupational engagement due to the demands of caregiving. This highlights the need for targeted interventions, such as pre-discharge education, financial support, and access to community-based programs, to improve caregiver well-being and enhance their ability to manage caregiving stress.