Correlates to Relapse as Perceived by Schizophrenic Patients

Abstract

Relapse among schizophrenic patients is a major challenge for mental health service providers in Egypt. Relapse has negative consequences and it can affect to patients, their families, the mental health care providers and the country's economy. This study aimed to explore the correlates of relapse as perceived by schizophrenic patients. A descriptive correlational design was utilized in this study. Three tools were utilized; the socio-demographic data sheet, the patient's medical data sheet and the relapse factors questionnaire that was developed by the researchers. A purposive sample of 90 schizophrenic patients was recruited in the current study. The study was carried out at Psychiatric Medicine and Addiction Prevention Hospital – El Manial University Hospital. The results revealed that the majority of the sample agreed that the social stigma related factors, and lack of rehabilitation services in the community, in addition to decreased patient's compliance with the medications were the most reported factors for relapse. However, the multiple regression analysis showed that there were no significant relationships among patient's socio-demographic or medical data and their relapse. The study concluded that, many factors can interfere with the recovery process of schizophrenic patients such as, lack of social and community support, non compliance to medication, and stigma. The study recommended that applying the mental health education and provision of effective and accessible community mental health services can help in reducing the relapse among schizophrenic patients.