‘More blessing than burden’ African family carers’ beliefs and experiences caring for their older relatives in New South Wales, Australia
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Family carers from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds play an important role in supporting their older adults. Although there is a growing body of literature focused on family carers from CALD backgrounds in Australia, certain CALD groups, such as the African family carers, remain under-researched. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Using a qualitative approach, we explored the beliefs and lived experiences of African family carers of older adults in New South Wales, Australia. We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with participants and thematically analysed the data using NVivo 12 software. RESULTS: Four themes were generated from the data analysis: (1) current beliefs and practice of care; (2) drivers of family-based care choice; (3) mixed effects of caring for older adults; and (4) facilitators of formal aged care consideration. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: The study underscored African family carers’ commitment to family caregiving while highlighting the care burden and potentially susceptible family carers. It therefore highlights the critical need for culturally sensitive approaches and support for family carers of African backgrounds in Australia. CLINICAL TRIAL: Not applicable.
Source: BMC Nursing
Authors: Anthony Obinna Iwuagwu, Elizabeth Fernandez, Abner Weng Cheong Poon
Institutions: University of Nigeria, UNSW Sydney
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,090
Funder: University of New South Wales
OpenAlex ID: W4414629231