A Phenomenological Study of Javanese Family Caregivers’ Perspectives on Caring for Stroke Survivors
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60099/prijnr.2025.275670Keywords:
caregiver, Family caregivers, Interpretative phenomenology, Java, Non-communicable disease, Resilience, Stroke rehabilitationAbstract
Stroke is a major cause of long-term disability in Indonesia, where family members often become primary caregivers with minimal formal support. In culturally rooted communities like East Java, caregiving is deeply influenced by local values, yet limited research has examined how these values shape caregiver resilience. This study aimed to explore how Javanese cultural beliefs influence the experiences and resilience of family caregivers providing home-based care for stroke survivors. Using a qualitative design, in-depth interviews were conducted with ten caregivers in East Java, employing interpretative phenomenological analysis.
Thematic analysis identif ied four key themes: caregiving as a devotion and cultural duty; the family’s understanding of illness as a foundation for meaning; home-based continued care with love, hope, and spirituality; and emotional dynamics in the early stages of caregiving. Caregiving was seen not only as a responsibility, but as a moral and spiritual calling rooted in values such as Ngabekti (devotion), Nrimo (acceptance), and Pasrah (surrender). Participants employed both biomedical and traditional practices, showing creativity in overcoming limited resources. These f indings highlight the importance of culturally responsive nursing care that addresses the emotional, spiritual, and informational needs of caregivers. Supporting caregiver resilience through culturally informed nursing and medical interventions may enhance stroke rehabilitation outcomes and promote caregiver well-being in similar community settings.
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