بررسي وضعيت بيماران اسكيزوفرنيك مزمن و مراقبان آنها پس از ترخيص از بيمارستان

SURVEYING THE CONDITION OF CHRONIC SCHIZOPHRENIC PATIENTS AND THEIR CARERS AFTER DISCHARGE

The purpose of the present study was to depict the condition of chronic schizophrenic patients and their carers after discharge regarding functions and quality of life of patients as well as carers burden. To this end a series of questionairs including family experiences interview scale (FEIS), Morningside rehabilitation status scale (MRSS) and Wisconsin quality of life (WQL) were administered on 260 schizophrenic palients and 261 carers. Finding revealed that tensions (70%) and negative emotions (94%) were prevalent in the majority of the carers. The function of caring for the ill member of the family had intrupted the routine life of most carers, more than half of the patients were moderately dependent on others, they were redundent/jobless and had limited social interactions. As for avocation 72% of patients, listened to radio or audio cassettes and did walking. Over half of the patients experienced difficulties for conducting their different functions. This group have perceived their mental health status at undesirable level. However, the patients were content with their quality of life except for inadequate recreation and feeling lonely. These findings imply the necessity for the provision of psycho-social services for patients and their carers. An emphasized component of such programme should include teaching the nature of illness as well as life skills to both groups.