Male caregivers of mentally ill relatives.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the lived experiences of male caregivers of severely mentally ill relatives and their perceptions of this nontraditional role.


METHODS
A qualitative study of informal interviews with purposively selected male caregivers (N = 10), using an informal interview guide that addressed psychosocial, physical, financial, and crisis-management categories.


RESULTS
The data yielded three themes of caregiving: expressions of burden, duration and depth of commitment, and role affirmation.


CONCLUSIONS
The results can help health professionals develop needed education and support services for men in this emerging role and contribute to family health in the community.
Mays
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GD
Grambling State University, School of Nursing, LA, USA. gmays@latech.edu
Lund
C H
CH
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005783:Gender Identity; D006701:Home Nursing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008571:Men / Q000523:psychology*; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000451:nursing*; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires