Caregiving Experiences of Caregivers of Adolescents With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Qualitative Meta‐Synthesis

TL;DR

This study explores the challenges faced by caregivers of teens with inflammatory bowel disease and suggests ways to improve their support.

Contribution

The study provides a qualitative meta-synthesis of caregiving experiences for adolescents with IBD, highlighting key themes for targeted support.

Findings

Caregivers face psychological, emotional, and practical challenges.

External support and tailored programs are essential for improving caregiving quality.

Internet and community platforms can help establish family support systems.

Abstract

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that significantly affects the physical and mental health of adolescents. Caregivers are crucial in the treatment process, offering both physical care and emotional support. Caring for adolescents with IBD can significantly affect caregivers' physical, psychological and daily lives, presenting a range of emotional, financial and practical challenges.

To explore and integrate the caregiving experiences of caregivers of adolescents with IBD, in order to inform future caregiving support and intervention strategies.

A systematic evaluation and synthesis of qualitative studies was conducted based on ENTREQ guidelines.

A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsyINFO, CNKI, Wangfang and VIP for qualitative studies on the caregiving experiences of caregivers of adolescents with IBD, from the start of the research until March 14 2025. The quality of the literature was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute's quality assessment criteria for qualitative research, and included studies were integrated using a pooled approach.

In total, nine studies were included, from which 69 themes were extracted. The findings were grouped into five main themes and 12 subthemes: Psychological and emotional challenges; Heavy caregiving burden; Multiple challenges; Indispensable external support; Positive progress.

Caregivers of adolescents with IBD face numerous challenges. Healthcare professionals should recognise the varied needs of these caregivers and develop tailored support programmes to help alleviate psychological stress and enhance caregiving quality. Additionally, the Internet and community platforms can be utilised to establish a family support system, ensuring the well‐being of both caregivers and adolescents.

This study is a meta‐synthesis and does not require relevant contributions from patients or the public.

PROSPERO number: CRD 420250654435

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