Male caregivers of mentally ill relatives

TOPIC To describe the lived experiences of male caregivers of severely ment ally ill relatives and their perceptions of this nontraditional role. METHODS. A qualitative study of informal interviews with purposively select ed male caregivers (N = 10), using an informal interview guide that address ed psychosocial, physical, financial, and crisis-management categories. FINDINGS. The data yielded three themes of caregiving: expressions of burde n, duration and depth of commitment, and role affirmation. CONCLUSIONS. The results can help health professionals develop needed educa tion and support services for men in this emerging role and contribute to f amily health in the community.