Abstract
Background: Treatment of psychiatric patients is a challenging issue that requires special attention due to their unique nature and conditions. Identifying the factors that influence treatment acceptance among these patients can aid in disease management and health promotion. The environment in which individuals reside can significantly impact their behaviors. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the correlation between ward atmosphere and the motivation, perception, and attitude of patients towards continuing the treatment process in psychiatric wards of certain university hospitals in Shiraz and Bushehr in 2019. Methods: The present cross-sectional study included 299 patients admitted to the psychiatric wards of hospitals in Bushehr and Shiraz, Iran. A convenience sampling method was employed. Data collection tools included a demographic characteristics form, a short-form psychiatric ward questionnaire, and patient attitude, motivation, and treatment perception questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS 19 with Pearson or Spearman correlation tests, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and linear regression. The significance level was set at less than 0.05 in all cases. Results: The mean score of ward atmosphere was lower than average (18.37 ± 2.99) from the patients' point of view. Among the subscales of ward atmosphere, the "support" subscale correlated with patients' attitudes towards continuing the treatment process (P = 0.042). Patients exhibited a more positive attitude towards treatment at higher levels of support. Two subscales, "support" (P = 0.048) and "programme clarity" (P < 0.001), correlated with patients' perceptions of the treatment continuation. In other words, patients' perception of the treatment process was higher at elevated levels of these two subscales. None of the ward atmosphere subscales correlated with the patient's motivation to continue the treatment process from the patient's point of view. Conclusions: Given the correlation between certain subscales of ward atmosphere and patients' attitudes and perceptions about continuing the treatment process, it is recommended to design programs to optimize the ward atmosphere. This could improve patients' attitudes and perceptions regarding continuing their treatment. Additionally, it is suggested to study other factors affecting treatment in psychiatric patients.