Mental health recovery for people with schizophrenia in Southeast Asia: A systematic review

Abstract

Accessible Summary What is Known on the Subject? Mental health recovery has become a more prevalent approach to empowering people with schizophrenia (PWS), especially in western countries. However, despite the benefits, there is a lack of evidence regarding its practice in developing countries such as Southeast Asian Countries. The optimal treatment for PWS has not yet been identified, since most mental health care is provided in hospital‐based settings in Southeast Asia. Mental health treatment in Southeast Asia is highly influenced by cultural norms, values, and practices. What the Paper Adds to Existing Knowledge? The findings highlight the importance of integrating cultural aspects into the treatment of people with schizophrenia. The sample of unique elements in Southeast Asian mental health recovery include using a close neighbour/cadre as social support and using religious activity to increase hope. Lack of government support, high level of employment, and stigma are the biggest barriers in the PWS recovery process. What is the Implication for Practice? There is a research gap regarding the awareness and implementation of mental health recovery in psychiatric programs across the Southeast Asian region which likely impacts the effectiveness of the treatment. The review shows that little research has explored the concept of personal recovery in Southeast Asian Countries. Abstract Introduction Recovery has become an important approach used by mental health services around the world. Many mental health systems have taken steps to move towards more recovery‐oriented practices and service delivery. Therefore, establishing recovery‐oriented services in developing countries like those in the Southeast Asian region requires a detailed understanding of the cultural norms, values, and current mental health practices. Aims To investigate the mental health practices that promote recovery, its barrier in Southeast Asia, and to determine if they align with the CHIME recovery model. Method Electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and SCOPUS, were searched [PROSPERO] (CRD42021227962). Peer‐reviewed English language articles from 2004 to January 2021 were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the CASP checklist, and thematic synthesis of included studies was conducted. Results Thirty‐one studies met inclusion criteria. Several themes illustrated mental health recovery services and the current obstacles identified in South‐east Asian studies. Connection includes peer support and support groups, relationship status, and limited opportunities to become involved in the community. Hope is found in cultural concepts of hope, stimulating recovery through mental health programs, whilst lack of knowledge and education are the main barriers. Ethnicity is linked to a high level of stigma, but ethnicity also builds identity. Meaning and spirituality manifest in religious activities as the catalyst for recovery. Finally, the opposite of Empowerment is seen in the tendency of people with schizophren...

Effectiveness of a needs-tailored nurse-led recovery program for community-dwelling people with schizophrenia: a cluster-randomized controlled trial

“…This finding aligns with systematic literature, indicating that adequate hope, family, and social support are key facilitators of recovery. This finding aligns with previous literature, which suggests that factors such as adequate hope, family support, social support, and reduced needs can contribute to facilitating recovery [ 9 , 35 ]. In a recovery program, the goal of care must align with and be tailored to the individual patients’ needs [ 8 , 36 ].…”

“…The Chinese version of the empowerment scale, translated from Roger’s Empowerment Scale, may be more aligned with Western culture. However, literature suggests that in some Asian populations, empowerment may be perceived differently, with a focus on maintaining a satisfactory quality of life by remaining passive and minimizing stressors [ 35 ]. Additionally, the participants used to validate Roger’s Empowerment Scale or the Chinese version of the Empowerment Scale may have been individuals with stable chronic psychotic disorders in a community institution setting or chronic ward, whose characteristics may not fully align with those of the participants in our study [ 29 , 30 ].…”

A Bibliometric Analysis of The Schizophrenia Publications of South East Asia in 2002-2023

“…Schizophrenia is a debilitating mental disorder that have multiple consequences and involves multisectoral interventions. Schizophrenic patients have difficulties in their daily activities and quality of life aside from stigma, violence target and human rights violation (Murwasuminar et al, 2023). It is not just affected individual but also burden the family and community.…”

Efficacy of Recovery Program on Self-management for Patients with Schizophrenia

“…the ability to work, live independently and enhance peer relationships), they have difficulty achieving these desires not only because of their illness but also because of limitations of society such as stigma, discrimination and social exclusion. (24,25) Therefore, treatment should involve interventions that promote selfimprovement, contribute to determining and achieving personal goals and foster the development of skills that patients can use to self-manage their illness and improve their social interactions. (17,26) From this perspective, recovery plays a critical role in helping patients with schizophrenia to self-manage their illness and actively participate in their healthcare.…”