Perceptions of schizophrenia and coping styles in caregivers: comparison between India and Switzerland

Abstract

Introduction Scientific and theoretical framework showed that culture and health organization system influence perception of illnesses and thus also has an impact on the coping strategies used. Aim/question This cultural comparative study explores illness' perception and coping styles among the caregivers of people diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders in Mangalore, India, and Lausanne, Switzerland. Method The answers of 92 Swiss caregivers, using paper or electronic surveys depending on the participants' preference, and 100 Indian caregivers via an interview with a nurse were examined. Results The results confirm the hypothesis that culture and health organization system influence illness' perception which impact the used coping styles. Significant differences between Swiss and Indian caregivers practically in all illness' perceptions and coping styles were present, which is in accord with the theoretical framework. However, two results showed also similarities: the perception that schizophrenia can have cyclical episodes and that it can have negative consequences for caregivers. Discussion These differences will affect the development of interventions for caregivers in both countries. Implications for Practice The cultural differences observed in this study not only will allow interventions to be adapted to the specific needs of the two populations but also to identify their shared needs.

Global Social Functioning ofPatients with Schizophrenia and Care Burden of Caregiving Relatives

“…[8,10,11] Bu ailelerin karşılaşabileceği zorluklara yönelik genel bir farkındalık mevcut olsa da bakım vermeye ilişkin sorumluluklar göz önüne alındığında bu kişiler beklemedikleri duygusal, psikolojik, fiziksel ve ekonomik zorluklar yaşayabilmekte ve bu da ailenin işlevselliğinde bozulmalara yol açabilmektedir. [12][13][14][15][16][17] Pozitif veya negatif semptomların şiddeti; hastanede yatma, doktor kontrolüne gitme, ilaç tedavisi ve düşük işlevsellik şizofreni hastalarına yönelik bakım veren yükünü artıran faktörler arasındadır. Ancak şizofreni hastalarına bakım veren kişilerin yaşadığı bakım yükünü etkileyen en önemli problemler genel işlevsellikte ortaya çıkan sorunlar, günlük yaşam aktivitelerini yerine getirememe, sosyal işlevselliğin bozulması ve hastaların eğitim ve mesleki yaşamlarındaki karşılaştıkları zorluklardır.…”

Predictors of Family Stress in Taking Care of Patients with Schizophrenia

“…The findings of the study showed that out of all of the family members with schizophrenia, 46 % experienced a relapse at least one to three times and the others, more than three times. If repeated relapse continues in patients with schizophrenia, it can have negative consequences for the caregivers (Rexha, Jose, Golay, & Favrod, 2006). Recurrent schizophrenic patients exhibit uncontrollable behavior, such as being angry without cause, and suspicious excessive and unnatural behavior.…”

Challenge of parents caring for children or adolescents with early‐stage schizophrenia in China: A qualitative study

“…Their study revealed the experiences of caring for children/adolescents with schizophrenia in the long-term; however, there is a lack of studies considering parents' experiences in the short-term. In addition, the experiences of individuals caring for patients with schizophrenia vary across different cultures, 18,19 and little is known about the challenges of parents in this situation in China. This study attempted to answer the questions "What are the challenges faced by parents caring for ESS children/adolescents in China?," and our assumption is that those challenges different from those faced by caregivers who care for children/adolescents with schizophrenia in the longterm and who in other cultures.…”