The Social Support Perceived by Patients with Schizophrenia at Ali-Kamal Center in Sulaimani City, Kurdistan of Iraq

Abstract

Background: Schizophrenia is a major mental disorder marked by a diverse range of symptoms. Patients’ perception of social support affects the progress of schizophrenia. Aim: This study aimed mainly to assess social support perceived by patients with schizophrenia. Methods: The present study quantitative- descriptive study on a convenience sample of 100 patients experiencing schizophrenia recruited from the outpatient psychiatric clinic of Ali-kamal Center in Sulaiamani City/Iarq. A valid and reliable questionnaire was used which includes sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and a multidimensional of perceived social support scale. The interview method was employed to collect the data. Results: Low social support was perceived by patients with schizophrenia. Gender P = 0.05; economic status,P = 0.04; and educational level P = 0.01 were statistically significantly associated with low social support among the sample. Conclusion and Recommendation: The role of social support emphasized by schizophrenic patients and the essential need for treatment that includes psychological treatment is also addressed to improve prognosis; moreover, additional studies are needed about the effect of social support on schizophrenic patients.