Family Members’ Support Needs to Prevent and Manage Relapse of Mental Health Care Users Living with Schizophrenia in Gauteng, South Africa

Abstract

Mental health care users (MHCUs) living with schizophrenia experience an altered reality with regard to cognition and perceptions. Research shows that between 37% and 58% of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia relapse due to poor treatment compliance; lack of insight into their illness; and non-adherence to medication. The aim of the current study was to explore and describe the views of family members on preventing and managing relapse of MHCUs, and their support needs with regard to preventing and managing relapse of MHCUs at a selected government psychiatric hospital in Gauteng, South Africa. An exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was followed. Fourteen family members of MHCUs were purposively sampled from the hospital outpatient department. Data was collected through in-depth individual interviews. Ethical considerations were adhered to, and approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board and gatekeepers. Written informed consent was obtained from each participant. The findings of the study indicated that violence, financial burden, emotional burden and stigmatisation by the community were challenges experienced by family members. The family members were of the view that substance use and non-adherence led to relapse of MHCUs. Thus, the family members viewed themselves as a source of emotional support who provided supervision and monitoring. Enhanced health care provider support and improved health care services to MHCUs and their family members are needed. Relapse could be addressed by means of a holistic integrated and multidisciplinary approach to the care, treatment and rehabilitation of MHCUs.