SynthesisBMC geriatrics2025
The role of family caregivers in supporting older adults in Africa: systematic review.
Synthesis in BMC geriatrics, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 6 papers.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
6 citing papers in PubMed.
- Third-party disability among family caregivers of older adults with post-stroke disability in mainland China: a qualitative study based on the ICF framework.BMC geriatrics · 2026Article
- Insights into the gaps and requirements of long-term care in Iran: a qualitative content analysis approach.BMC geriatrics · 2026Article
- Ageism, ableism, and their associated factors among international undergraduate medical students in China: a cross-sectional study.Frontiers in public health · 2026Article
- Challenges and coping strategies of family caregivers of older adults with dementia in Africa: a systematic review and meta-synthesis.BMC nursing · 2025Article
- Patterns of Elder Caregiving Among Nigerians: An Integrative Review.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2025Review
- Review
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
6 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundFamily caregivers play a crucial role in supporting older adults, particularly in low-resource settings where formal healthcare services may be limited. Their responsibilities include providing physical, emotional, and healthcare-related support to elderly individuals, especially those with chronic conditions such as stroke, dementia, and diabetes. Despite the vital nature of their role, family caregivers face significant challenges, including physical and emotional strain, lack of knowledge and training, financial burdens, and social isolation. The needs of family caregivers, including training, emotional support, and financial assistance, remain largely unmet, particularly in African contexts.
aimThis study aimed to explore the role of family caregivers in supporting older adults, identify the challenges they face, and determine the support they require to provide optimal care. METHODOLOGY: A systematic review of qualitative studies was conducted to gather comprehensive data on the roles, challenges, and support needs of family caregivers of older adults. Databases used included SCOPUS, MEDLIN, EBSCOhost, CINAHL, Science Direct, PubMed and ISI Web of Science A total of 3365 records were identified, 68 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, and 17 papers were included in the review. The studies were conducted over a 10-15 year period in various African contexts. Data were analyzed thematically to identify key themes.
resultsThe thematic analysis revealed several key themes and sub-themes related to the roles of family caregivers and the challenges they face including Role of family care givers(physical support, emotional support, health related support), Challenges faced by family care givers (Physical and Psychological Strain, Lack of Knowledge and Training, Financial Strain and Economic Burden, Social Isolation and Lack of Social Support), Support Needs of Family Caregivers (Training and Knowledge Enhancement, Emotional and Social Support, Financial Support and Resources, Coping Mechanisms).
conclusionFamily caregivers are indispensable in supporting older adults, but their ability to provide optimal care is hindered by physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Comprehensive support, including training programs, emotional support networks, and financial assistance, is necessary to improve caregivers' well-being and the quality of care they provide. Addressing these needs can enhance the caregiving experience and promote better outcomes for both caregivers and elderly individuals.
Indexed as
Identifiers
What OpenQuestion holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.