HEALTH BELIEFS, PARTICIPATION BEHAVIOR AND COMMUNITY REHABILITATION GUIDELINES FOR SCHIZOPHRENIA PATIENTS

Abstract

                Objective: To describe the health beliefs in schizophrenia, participation behavior in rehabilitation, and community rehabilitation guideline for schizophrenia patients.

                Methods: This study was qualitative research. Purposive sampling was used to select 12 participants as key informants including schizophrenia patients, caregivers, village health volunteers, community leaders, health professionals, and experts. Data gathering was conducted by a semi-structured in-depth interview until saturation. Data were analyzed using content analysis.

                Results: 1) Health beliefs in schizophrenia: The perceived risk aspects of schizophrenia were recurrence and relapse caused by untreated in an acute phase, medication non-adherence, substance abuse, relationship problems with caregivers, stigmatization, and disability from relapse. The perceived severity of schizophrenia was medication compliance, substance abuse, and stigma from their violent behavior. The perceived barriers to rehabilitation were lack of knowledge about schizophrenia, negative attitude toward the patients, and a lack of community participation. The perceived benefits of treatment were early referral, continuous medication, focus on caregivers, community participation, self-care rehabilitation, safety, and community peace. The perceived motivation was knowledge support from professionals, positive attitude toward the patients, family and community participation, support, and perceived ability from experience and positive aspects of caregiving. 2) Rehabilitation Participation Behavior. It found that family engagement will encourage communities and network parties to participate in community rehabilitation and manage the problem with local resources. 3) Community rehabilitation guidelines for schizophrenic patients. It found 3 key approaches: (1) returning health information to the community, (2) supporting knowledge and rehabilitation skills for schizophrenic patients using activities based on the original way regularly, and (3) integrating the collaboration of all local sectors.

                Conclusion: Understanding the health beliefs in schizophrenia from direct experienced people is essential to develop community-based rehabilitation skills and enhance the quality of life of schizophrenic patients further.