Family Caregivers’ Perspectives of the Economic Burden Imposed through Caring for Family Members with Cancer in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

This study explored the perspectives of family caregivers of the economic burden imposed by caring for their family members who are living with cancer in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This study employed qualitative methods to explore the subjective experiences of the family caregivers caring for family members living with cancer, drawing from the interpretivist paradigm. Data saturation was reached after conducting 20 in-depth interviews among family caregivers. The participating family caregivers were actively involved in caring or previously had the experience of caring for a family member with cancer. The interview questions focused on the caregivers’ perspectives of the economic burden of caring for a family member with cancer. Three key themes emerged from the analysis of the research findings, namely, the loss of income, financial coping before the cancer diagnosis, and financial challenges due to the cancer diagnosis. Cancer caregiving can be financially taxing on families, and impose more strain especially on families with low-household incomes. There is a need for health policymakers to consider exploring financial relief mechanisms for families who care for members living with cancer.