Premium
Psychosocial vulnerability among carers of persons living with a chronic illness: A scoping review
Author(s) -
Cormican Orlaith,
Meskell Pauline,
Dowling Maura
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
international journal of nursing practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.62
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1440-172X
pISSN - 1322-7114
DOI - 10.1111/ijn.13024
Subject(s) - psychosocial , cinahl , psycinfo , vulnerability (computing) , thematic analysis , cochrane library , medicine , medline , social support , psychology , gerontology , nursing , qualitative research , psychiatry , psychological intervention , meta analysis , psychotherapist , social science , computer security , sociology , political science , computer science , law
Aims To outline and examine evidence related to the meaning of ‘psychosocial vulnerability’ among caregivers of persons with chronic illnesses. Background The number of informal caregivers continues to rise globally. Their risk of psychosocial vulnerability is frequently overlooked, but understanding their psychosocial vulnerability may offer insights into meeting their needs. Design Scoping review following the PRISMA 2020 extension guidelines. Data sources The databases CINAHL, Embase, Medline/Pubmed, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Lenus and ProQuest were systematically searched to identify original research. No date limit was set, and 23 studies were included. Review methods A five‐step approach using the Arksey and O'Malley framework. Thematic analysis guided data analysis. Results Carers' psychosocial vulnerability occurs when they experience barriers to resources while access and use of supports reduce risk. Antecedents of psychosocial vulnerability include a carer's age and sex, socioeconomic status and their health and wellbeing. Psychosocial vulnerability affects carers' relationships and causes personal losses. Conclusions The concept of carers' psychosocial vulnerability is complex. Recognition of carers at risk for psychosocial vulnerability would help nurses direct relevant support and information to carers who need it most.