Biopsychosocial Experiences of Family Caregivers of Hospitalized Children at a Quaternary Hospital in Ghana: A Qualitative Study

Background: Family caregivers play a pivotal role in the care of hospitalized children, yet the biopsychosocial burden they carry remains poorly documented in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in general paediatric settings. While prior research has examined caregiver experiences in specific chronic disease populations, limited qualitative evidence describes the experience of family caregivers of children admitted for general medical conditions. Objective: This study aimed to describe the biopsychosocial experiences of family caregivers of children below 15 years admitted to the Paediatric Unit of the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC). Methods: A descriptive qualitative design was employed. Fifteen family caregivers were recruited using purposive sampling and participated in in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Results: Three overarching themes emerged: (1) physical impact, encompassing disrupted sleep and rest, food insecurity, compromised personal hygiene, and lack of privacy; (2) psychological and emotional impact, including guilt, anxiety about the child’s prognosis, and emotional distress arising from witnessing painful medical procedures; and (3) social impact, comprising financial strain, disruption to education, weakened relationships, and withdrawal from religious and cultural activities. All participants reported negative experiences across all three domains. Conclusion: Family caregivers of hospitalized children at UGMC experience significant and multidimensional biopsychosocial burden. Healthcare systems must implement structured caregiver support programmes to mitigate this burden and, by extension, improve the quality of care delivered to hospitalized children.