A Multidimensional Analysis of Caregiving and Disability Management in St. Kitts and Nevis: Challenges, Resilience, and Policy Implications

This study investigates caregiving and disability management in St. Kitts and Nevis through a multidimensional lens that integrates clinical, cultural, and contextual factors relevant to the care of individuals with developmental and physical disabilities. Employing a qualitative synthesis approach, the research draws on regional policy reviews and semi-structured interviews with caregivers, healthcare professionals, and community stakeholders. Thematic analysis uncovers key determinants shaping caregiving practices, including caregiver resilience, type and severity of disability, health infrastructure, and prevailing social norms. Findings reveal critical gaps in formal disability services, overreliance on informal care networks, and limited access to culturally adapted interventions—challenges compounded by geographic isolation and socio-economic constraints. In response, the study proposes a conceptual framework grounded in rehabilitation, social work, and community health theory to support integrated and inclusive caregiving models. This framework offers a practical tool for clinicians, service providers, and policymakers seeking to develop context-sensitive and sustainable care strategies. By centering the Caribbean caregiving experience, this research contributes original insight to the interdisciplinary literature by providing the first conceptual framework tailored to caregiving in St. Kitts and Nevis, grounded in both global disability theory and Caribbean-specific realities. It also offers actionable insights for health policymakers and practitioners seeking to bridge formal service gaps with community-based solutions.