title: Transition to the new role of caregiving for families of patients with breast cancer: a qualitative descriptive exploratory study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Families, especially in Eastern and Muslim countries, routinely accept the responsibility of caring for cancer patients. This study describes the transition to the new role of caregiving from the perspective of family caregivers in Iran as part of the current trend of recognizing the experiences of family members of breast cancer patients from different cultural perspectives.
  
  
  METHODS
  A descriptive exploratory qualitative research approach was used to investigate the experiences of family caregivers of patients with breast cancer in the transition to caregiving. The subjects were 23 family caregivers of breast cancer patients referred to cancer centers at Isfahan University hospitals who were selected by purposive sampling. Data was gathered through in-depth interviews. Interview transcripts were analyzed using conventional content analysis with an inductive approach.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data analysis identified the following categories: grasping a new situation without preparation, perceived inefficiency, infinite absence, and abandoned in the role. Caregivers believed that they were not prepared for their new circumstances and did not have the necessary competence and capabilities to meet the challenges of caregiving. They experienced negative consequences resulting from the difficult responsibility of caregiving. Moreover, they believed that they received limited support from relatives, health-care providers, and the community.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The transition to the new role of caregiving is affected by experiences specific to the conditions of the caretakers. When these conditions can be understood and identified, it is possible to provide detailed information for policymaking and planning for family-centered care.
authors: Student Research Center, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.|Department of Midwifery, Arak Branch, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran.
authors: Masoumeh
authors: M
authors: Hashemi-Ghasemabadi
authors: Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Taleghani@nm.mui.ac.ir.
authors: Fariba
authors: F
authors: Taleghani
authors: Medical Education Research Center, Department of Medical Education, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors: Alireza
authors: A
authors: Yousefy
authors: Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors: Shahnaz
authors: S
authors: Kohan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing*; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003625:Data Collection; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Cancer; Family caregiver; Role; Transition