Research on the effects of family care degree on stigma and psychosocial adaptation among the patients with Parkinson’s disease†

Abstract

Abstract Objective This study aimed to investigate the status quo of family care degree, stigma and psychosocial adaptation of the patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), and discuss the effects of family care degree on stigma and psychosocial adaptation among the patients with PD. Methods This study was conducted between September 2018 and April 2019 on patients with PD who were admitted to a Tertiary Grade A hospital in Dalian city. A total of 246 PD patients were investigated by convenience sampling method using self-designed general information questionnaire, along with family care index (APGAR), 24-item Stigma Scale for Chronic Illness (SSCI), and Psychosocial Adjustment Scale (PAS) for PD. And patients were divided into two groups according to the level of family care degree and compared with stigma and psychosocial adaptation. Results The total score of family care for patients with PD was 6.97 ± 2.46, family function was good in 132 cases (53.7%), moderate barrier in 92 cases (37.4%), and severe barrier in 22 cases (8.9%). The scores of stigma and psychosocial adaptability and their dimensions in the group with high degree family care were higher than the low degree group. Conclusions The overall level of family care for PD patients was poor. Improving family care degree can help patients with PD to reduce stigma and improve psychosocial adaptation.