Informal Caregiving in Pakistan: Role of Women Family Caregivers in Older People’s Health

Abstract

Introduction: This study explores the role of Pakistani women caregivers in older people’s decision-making regarding access to healthcare services and medicine practices, including attitudes towards medicine adherence and self-medication. Methods: Data were collected from 52 women who cared for older people using focus group discussions and semistructured interviews. The study was conducted in the rural and urban regions of Sargodha District, Punjab. Results: Informal women caregivers play a pronounced role in decision-making about healthcare access and medicine-taking practices for older people. Treating illnesses at home with allopathic medicines is a common practice in both urban and rural settings. Caregivers were unaware of the risk associated with a delay in health-seeking and self-medication. Conclusion: Findings suggest that educational interventions and coaching should be provided to improve family caregivers’ knowledge so that they can contribute to better health outcomes for older people.