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Title
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EXPERIENCES OF INDIVIDUALS CARING FOR FAMILY MEMBERS WITH MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY
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Affiliation
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Misamis University
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Degree Program
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Master of Arts in Nursing major in Nursing Education Administration (MAN-NEA)
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Contributor
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Superable, Cynthia S. - Adviser
Go, Maebil Marie B. - Panel Member
Duyag, Merasol O. - Panel Member
Taghoy, Sammy B. - Panel Member
Clarin, Analyn S. - Chairman
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Year
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2026
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Abstract
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Myocardial infarction is a life-threatening cardiovascular condition that
significantly impacts both patients and their families. This study explored the lived
experiences of family members caring for individuals with a history of myocardial
infarction using Moustakas’ lifeworld existential phenomenology. The study was
conducted in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, Philippines, there were seven participants
selected through snowball sampling. Data were gathered through a semi-structured
Interview Guide. Data were analyzed using Moustakas’ (1994) method of data analysis.
The analysis generated the following themes: emotional strain and physical exhaustion in
caregiving; transformation of home into a care-oriented environment; restructuring of daily
life and altered sense of time; strengthened bonds with emerging tensions in family
relationships; from difficulty to competence in managing medical care; and living in
constant watchfulness: prioritizing safety and prevention after myocardial infarction.
Caring for a family member with myocardial infarction significantly changes family life
through emotional, physical, and caregiving demands, requiring continuous adjustment and
adaptation to ensure the patient’s safety, recovery, and long-term stability. It is
recommended that healthcare providers strengthen family-centered discharge planning and
ongoing community-based support programs to equip caregivers with the knowledge,
skills, and emotional resources needed to effectively manage long-term post-myocardial
infarction care and reduce caregiver burden.
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Keywords
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caregiving, family adaptation, myocardial infarction, phenomenology, vigilance
