Pengalaman Sokongan Sosial Penjaga Tidak Formal Pesakit Epilepsi di Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Abstract

The responsibility of caring for a sick family member is a common occurrence for informal caregivers. These individuals heavily rely on the social support available to them. Nevertheless, there is a noticeable gap in research about the experiences of informal caregivers providing care for family members with epilepsy in the Kota Kinabalu, Sabah region. This qualitative study, utilising a phenomenological approach, delved into the types of social support received by primary caregivers. Through interviews with ten informants, the study uncovered that caregivers receive various types of social support, including stress relief, increased confidence, reduced fatigue, early support from medical professionals, and collective care. It is paramount to identify the specific type of social support necessary to address the challenges posed by epilepsy care. The study's findings can serve as a valuable blueprint for establishing a digital social support programme, offering a beacon of hope for epilepsy caregivers in our increasingly digitalised society.