Background of the Study
Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects an individual’s thoughts, emotions, and behavior, often leading to functional impairments and decreased quality of life (Kirkpatrick et al., 2023). Relapse, characterized by a recurrence of symptoms or deterioration in functioning, is a significant concern in the management of schizophrenia, with rates varying between 30-60% (Lehman & Steinwachs, 2024). Relapses are often triggered by factors such as non-adherence to medication, stress, and lack of social support (Muench & Hamer, 2023).
Psychoeducation, an intervention aimed at educating patients and their families about the nature of the illness, treatment options, and coping strategies, has emerged as a promising tool in the prevention of relapse in schizophrenia (Zhou et al., 2023). Studies have demonstrated that psychoeducation can improve treatment adherence, enhance understanding of the illness, and reduce the stigma associated with mental disorders (Green & Neufeld, 2024). While psychoeducation has been widely implemented in Western countries, limited research exists on its effectiveness in Nigerian healthcare settings, particularly in Cross River State, where there is a high prevalence of schizophrenia but limited mental health resources (Adebayo & Olawale, 2023).
This study aims to assess the effectiveness of psychoeducation in reducing relapse rates among patients with schizophrenia at Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabar, and to determine the factors that may enhance its effectiveness in the Nigerian context.
Statement of the Problem
Schizophrenia remains one of the most disabling mental health conditions globally, with high relapse rates contributing to long-term disability (World Health Organization [WHO], 2024). In Nigeria, the burden of schizophrenia is compounded by factors such as insufficient mental health resources, limited access to care, and social stigma (Bello et al., 2024). As a result, relapse rates in schizophrenia remain high, leading to increased healthcare costs, hospital admissions, and a diminished quality of life for patients (Olayemi & Agbaje, 2023).
Psychoeducation has been shown to have positive outcomes in preventing relapse and improving patients' quality of life, but its application in Nigeria, particularly in the context of Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabar, remains underexplored. This study seeks to fill this gap by evaluating whether psychoeducation can effectively reduce relapse in patients with schizophrenia in this region and exploring how it can be optimized in the Nigerian healthcare system.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on patients diagnosed with schizophrenia at Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabar, who have participated in psychoeducation programs. It does not include other psychiatric disorders or hospitals. Limitations include potential biases in self-reported data, variability in the psychoeducation delivery methods, and limited access to longitudinal data.
Definitions of Terms
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