Attitudes and Subjective Views of Caregivers of Persons Living with Schizophrenia in Harare

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume VI, Issue III, March 2022 | ISSN 2454–6186

Attitudes and Subjective Views of Caregivers of Persons Living with Schizophrenia in Harare

Takesure Kahwemba
Intern Counseling Psychologist, Harare, P O Box 29 Harare, Zimbabwe

Abstract: Schizophrenia is one of the most serious – and often one of the most disabling- types of mental illness. It is believed that about 1 % of the world’s adult population suffers from it. As a result of its severity, mental health institutions are a frequent stop for many schizophrenic patients. It is chronic, complex and challenging psychiatric disorder that needs close monitoring. There are diverse cultural beliefs, etiologies, interventions are based on caregiver perceptions based on cultural beliefs. Most relapses are triggered by caregiver negligence due to lack of knowledge. Because of the severe disabling effect on the ill person, schizophrenia renders the victim totally dependent on the caregiver. And this study looks at the perceptions and attitudes of caregivers, who are the main players of the upkeep of these patients. The study looks at emotional burden of the caregiver, and the possible ways of empowering them. The researcher used à qualitative research methodology to explore the emotional caregivers’ perceptions and appraisals of schizophrenia. It was noted that caregivers of schizophrenia are emotionally wounded, and often poorly informed about the illness. The research recommends the bi-focal intervention approach, which recommends the inclusion of the caregiver in the treatment plan. The study also recommends government assistance to the caregivers and or family of schizophrenic persons

Key Word: Caregivers, Cultural beliefs, patients, schizophrenia

I. INTRODUCTION

Background: There has been a notable shift in the past 60 years in the mental service delivery, where hospitals were handing over the responsibility of looking after mental patients to families and home based-care. This shift has resulted in families becoming the major care providers of relatives with long-term, chronic and disabling disorders, a role that has been provided by the mental institutions. In other words, hospitalizations and institutionalizations of mental patients, is now a family, and not an institutional responsibility.
Studies have shown that caring for major mental illness, especially schizophrenia, has a significant impact on the mental health and functioning of a caregiver. The studies demonstrate the importance of understanding the complexity of the experience of family caring for individuals with schizophrenia (Brady, 1996). Currently there is little research on family caregivers in Zimbabwe, particularly those who are caring for members who are living with schizophrenia. This research seeks to unearth a detailed understanding of a caregiver’s experience in the Zimbabwean context.

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