Exploring the Experiences and Challenges of Caregivers Providing PEG Tube Feeding to Patients with Esophageal Cancer

Background: Patients with esophageal cancer often require percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube feeding due to dysphagia and malnutrition. This treatment presents several physical, emotional, and socioeconomic challenges for caregivers. Despite their critical role, particularly in resource-limited settings, caregivers’ experiences with PEG tube management remain underexplored. This study aims to examine the multifaceted experiences of caregivers, focusing on their knowledge, emotional responses, caregiving practices, and the support systems available to them. Methodology: The research used a phenomenological qualitative design to study 12 primary caregivers at Saidu Teaching Hospital in Swat through in-depth interview sessions. Participants were selected purposively, having provided PEG tube care for more than one month. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) framework. Results: Most caregivers (75%) were women aged 31–50. Many reported emotional distress, particularly grief over the loss of shared meals and guilt rooted in their collectivist culture (67%). Challenges included a lack of formal training and the demanding nature of care. Religious coping was prevalent (58%), while 83% expressed the need for clearer instructional methods, and 75% highlighted the necessity of psychological counseling. Conclusion: Multiple stressors affecting caregivers emerge from their cultural background and broader institutional influences. Because of the existing challenges, the framework for interventions needs to combine practical training with faith-based counseling and financial safety measures. Certain healthcare assistance programs need immediate cultural adaptation because it will benefit caregivers and their patients.