Caring Under Constraint: Experiences of Family Caregivers of Paediatric Stroke Survivors in Ghana – A Qualitative Study

Abstract Background: Paediatric stroke is an emerging contributor to childhood disability, particularly in low-resource settings where caregiving responsibilities are largely assumed by family members. However, evidence on caregivers’ experiences in sub-Saharan Africa remains limited. This study explored the experiences of family caregivers of paediatric stroke survivors in Ghana, guided by Raina et al.'s Multidimensional Caregiving Model. Methods: An exploratory qualitative design was employed. Fifteen family caregivers were purposively recruited from the paediatric neurology ward and sickle cell clinic at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews (30–90 minutes) conducted between November 2022 and January 2023. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s six-step abductive reflexive thematic analysis. Results/Findings: Five interrelated themes emerged: (1) socioeconomic vulnerability, where limited education and unstable income constrained caregiving capacity; (2) child dependency, characterised by physical, cognitive, and behavioural impairments; (3) multidimensional caregiving strain, including financial burden, exhaustion, and health system challenges; (4) culturally embedded coping strategies, particularly spirituality and social support; and (5) caregiving-related health outcomes, including physical and psychological distress. These findings indicate that caregiving is a dynamic process shaped by the interaction of contextual, relational, and system-level factors, where resilience coexists with significant unmet needs . Conclusion: Caregiving for paediatric stroke survivors in Ghana is complex and resource-intensive, with implications for caregiver well-being and child outcomes. Interventions should integrate caregiver support into paediatric stroke care through psychosocial services, financial guidance, and improved health system responsiveness.