Roles of Social Support and Caregivers in the Treatment Effectiveness of people with Mental Illness: the case of outpatients in psychiatry clinic of Jimma University Specialized Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Various reports reviled that mental health problems in Ethiopia account for nearly 12% of disease burden and carry lifetime prevalence. In Ethiopia, still there is lack of awareness on mental health, basic management skills among primary health workers and limited resources for mental health care. Mental illness is treatable, curable and usually its indications can be controlled efficiently through medicine and/or psychiatric aid. However, various issues influence treatment effectiveness, and even determine the way mental health is practiced. Thus, this study aims to explore the role of social support and caregivers for the treatment effectiveness of people with mental illness outpatients in Jimma University Specialized Teaching Hospital psychiatric clinic. An institutional based cross sectional study design with psychiatric outpatients, focus group discussion and key informant interviews were conducted in describing and explaining the role of social support and caregivers for treatment effectiveness of mental illness. The quantitative data was collected from 302 PWMI outpatients and 98 caregivers in the psychiatric clinic of JUSTH. Next, qualitative data was also collected from 18 psychiatrists and clinical nurses. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages mean distribution and correlations) and the statistical analysis tool SPSS (Version 20) was also utilized for inferential statistical analysis (Chi-square). On the other hand, qualitatively obtained data was analyzed by interpreting and explaining of words and terms of respondents. Patients with good social support systems and patient who have caregivers showed better treatment effectiveness within expected dates of illness recovery. In addition, the socio-demographic characteristics of patients as well as caregivers had association with the effectiveness of psychiatric patients’ treatment. Raising the awareness of the community on the roles of emotional, interpersonal and economic supports and caregivers is essential. Additionally, raising awareness of the community about the relations of socio-demographic characteristics of patients as well as caregivers with the effectiveness of psychiatric patients’ treatment is vital.