Perceptions of psychosocial disability amongst psychiatric service users and caregivers in South Africa
This study documents experiences of illness, disability and recovery amongst service users with schizophrenia and their caregivers
Abstract
In many parts of South Africa there is little support for people with psychosocial disability caused by schizophrenia, beyond provision of psychotropic medications. Appropriate community-based psychosocial rehabilitation interventions are a crucial element of mental health service development.
This study aimed to use an explanatory model of illness framework to document experiences of illness, disability and recovery amongst service users with schizophrenia and their caregivers in a poorly resourced area in the North West Province. Data were used to provide recommendations for a contextually appropriate non-specialist facilitated group psychosocial rehabilitation intervention.
This research is supported by the Department for International Development’s Programme for Improving Mental Health Care (PRIME) which is led by University of Cape Town
Citation
Carrie Brooke-Sumner, Crick Lund, Inge Petersen. Perceptions of psychosocial disability amongst psychiatric service users and caregivers in South Africa. African Journal of Disability; Vol 3, No 1 (2014), 10 pages. doi: 10.4102/ajod.v3i1.146