J Korean Acad Nurs.  2004 Aug;34(5):881-890.

Women Caregivers' Experiences in Caring at Home for a Family Member with Dementia: A Feminist Approach

• Yih BS
• Kim CM
• Yi MS

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to explore women caregivers' lived experiences in caring at home for a family member with dementia and to identify conditions that oppress women in the context of family caregiving. METHOD: This study was conducted within the feminist perspectives using qualitative secondary data. Ten secondary data conveying self reflective contents were selected from the 25 original data obtained in 1999 to 2000. RESULT: Six themes that emerged from the qualitative thematic content analysis were; androcentric view of family caregiving, undervalued family caregiving by the family members, Self rationalization in the context of family caregiving, family-centric care mechanism, exemplary caring within the family context, and inter-familial relationships among women. CONCLUSION: The main focus of feminist research is to provide empowerment for the women research participants and to bring about social change of oppressive constraint through some actions. On the basis of the research findings, therefore, action strategies from feminist perspectives were suggested in some aspects of health care delivery sectors, nursing education and research sectors, and administrative sectors.

Keyword

Feminism; Qualitative Research; Family caregiver; Dementia

MeSH Terms

Adult
Attitude
Caregivers/*psychology
Dementia/*nursing/psychology
*Family
Family Relations
Female
Home Nursing
Humans
Middle Aged
Stress, Psychological