METHODS: In 2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted a qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with 18 sandwich generation caregivers in Tehran, Iran, who were responsible for both elderly parents and their own children. These interviews were conducted either in person or by telephone. Subsequently, the collected data were analyzed using the inductive content analysis method within the MAXQDA software (2018 version).

RESULTS: Data analysis revealed three categories of coping strategies: "distancing from the situation", "self-soothing" (including sub categories of spiritual matters, establishing relationships, emotional outlet, and engaging in favorite activities), and "diversifying responses to needs" (including transferring responsibility to the family members, prioritizing needs for responsiveness, utilizing available community services, mediating to reduce conflict, and remote monitoring of the older adult).