Psycho-Existential Distress in the Experience of Caregivers of Older Adults With Advanced Cancer in Palliative Care: A Phenomenological Study Publisher



Farahani N S ; Eskandari H ; Sohrabi F ; Shirvan A R ; Asgari M
Source: Iranian Journal of Ageing Published:2027

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the psycho-existential distress in experience of older adult's caregivers with advanced cancer receiving palliative care. Methods & Materials: A qualitative design was employed using purposive sampling until data saturation was reached. In total, 12 caregivers who had visited the palliative care ward or clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital and the MACSA Institute during 2023 were interviewed. Data were analyzed through descriptive phenomenology using Colaizzi’s method with MAXQDA2020 software. Results: Five main themes emerged to describe caregivers’ experiences: caregiving burden, the abyss of unsettling doubts, me and the other, livelihood management, and inner storm. Conclusions: Psycho-existential distress in experience of older adult's caregivers with advanced cancer is a complex, multilayered phenomenon encompassing physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and financial dimensions. The findings highlight the urgent need for psychological support and the development of tailored caregiving and educational models to improve the quality of palliative care and reduce caregiver burden. © (2027), (Negah Institute for Social Research and Scientific Communication). All rights reserved.