King, Beth

Global research on family caregivers’ experiences with individuals who have serious mental illnesses has increased in different cultures. However, less research has been conducted on caregivers’ experiences within cultural contexts by using transcultural theory. Further, limited studies explored family caregivers’ lived experiences of people with serious mental illnesses in Saudi Arabia. The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of family caregivers of persons with serious mental illnesses in Saudi Arabia in a home environment. Guided by Ray’s (2016) Transcultural Caring Dynamics in Nursing and Health-Care Model and Diekelmann’s seven-stage analysis, this study interpreted the meaning of the family caregivers’ lived experiences for individuals with serious mental illness within Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and demographic data with participants. Participants included 10 males and 5 females, who ranged in age from 24 to 53 years. Fourteen of the participants were siblings. The meaning of families’ lived experiences was interpreted as a multidimensional process within Saudi culture in the constitutive pattern of the dynamic of an endless cycle of care. Three relational themes and 11 sub-themes were categorized to capture the multidimensional nature of the phenomenon: (a) development of caring experiences (formation of knowledge and Allah/spirituality); (b) living culture values and beliefs (societal views, caregivers’ beliefs and attitudes, caregiver in family, impact of social media, caregiver as financially supportive, and mental health care services); and (c) meaning of care ( being available, expressing love, and being present). This study's findings offer implications for nursing education, nursing practice, health policy, and future research recommendations.

Over 40 million people in the United States are living in poverty today. The effects of living in disadvantaged circumstances increases the individual’s likelihood of experiencing persistent anxiety, which can lead to chronic health conditions. Studies have associated persistent anxiety with cardiovascular compromise as a result of decreased levels of heart rate variability (HRV). The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between anxiety and heart rate variability in parents or guardians of children in Head Start, a federally funded program for families with low-incomes. A descriptive correlational design comparing the scores on the PROMIS anxiety tool with HRV as measured by the emWave biometric instrument will be used. The sample consists of 32 participants. Data will be analyzed using bivariate correlations. Increased levels of anxiety and decreased heart rate variability are anticipated outcomes of this study. Findings will assist in identifying health risks in this vulnerable population.