Background of the Study
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health disorder characterized by symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and cognitive impairments. Its management often requires comprehensive treatment plans, including medication, psychotherapy, and social support (Liu et al., 2024). Family support plays a pivotal role in the rehabilitation process, as it fosters emotional stability, reduces stress, and enhances treatment adherence (Adegbite et al., 2023).
In Nigeria, family systems remain a cornerstone of care for individuals with schizophrenia, particularly in regions with limited mental health resources. At the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabar, Cross River State, the role of families in the rehabilitation process is increasingly recognized but not fully understood. Understanding how family support influences rehabilitation outcomes can guide interventions aimed at optimizing patient recovery and reintegration.
Statement of the Problem
Patients with schizophrenia at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabar, often face significant challenges in their rehabilitation journey due to the complexity of their condition and socio-cultural barriers (Ekanem et al., 2024). While family support is identified as a critical factor in recovery, disparities in family involvement and its impact on patient outcomes remain under-researched.
Inadequate family support can lead to poor treatment adherence, increased relapse rates, and prolonged institutional care. Conversely, active family engagement has the potential to enhance rehabilitation outcomes significantly. This study seeks to explore the dynamics of family support and its impact on the rehabilitation of patients with schizophrenia, providing a basis for strengthening family-centered care approaches.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the level of family support available to patients with schizophrenia at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabar.
2. To evaluate the relationship between family support and rehabilitation outcomes in patients with schizophrenia.
3. To identify challenges faced by families in providing support to patients with schizophrenia.
Research Questions
1. What is the level of family support provided to patients with schizophrenia at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabar?
2. How does family support influence rehabilitation outcomes in patients with schizophrenia?
3. What challenges do families face in supporting patients with schizophrenia?
Research Hypotheses
1. Patients with schizophrenia at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabar, receive varying levels of family support.
2. There is a positive correlation between family support and rehabilitation outcomes for patients with schizophrenia.
3. Families face significant challenges in supporting patients with schizophrenia.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will target patients with schizophrenia and their families at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabar, during the period 2023–2025. Data will be collected through interviews, rehabilitation records, and family support assessment tools. Limitations include potential biases in self-reported data and difficulties in quantifying family support levels.
Definitions of Terms
• Family Support: Emotional, financial, and practical assistance provided by family members to a patient.
• Rehabilitation: The process of restoring functional and social abilities in individuals with mental health conditions.
• Schizophrenia: A chronic mental health disorder characterized by psychotic symptoms and impaired functioning.
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