Schizophrenia: illness impact on family members in a traditional society - rural Ethiopia

Abstract

Negative impact of schizophrenia on family members is substantial even in traditional societies such as those in Ethiopia where family network is strong and important. The scarce existing services in the developing countries should include family interventions and support at least in the form of educating the family members about the nature of schizophrenia illness and dealing with its stigma and family burden.

Perceived economic and behavioural effects of the mentally ill on their relatives in Kenya: a case study of the Mathari Hospital

“…This finding was similar to findings of an Ethiopian rural community-based study involving 301 patients with schizophrenia and their close relatives where financial difficulty was the most frequently endorsed problem (74.4% of the cases) among the family burden domains across both sexes. 7 However, gender differences were seen in financial and work burden domains with female relatives reporting being more affected than male relatives. Several other studies have also reported financial difficulties as mental illness had a negative effect on the income of the family.…”

“…This finding corroborates what was reported in other studies where disorganised symptoms rather than (primary features of) the actual diagnosis (as classified by the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders [DSM-IV]) 12 , were the most important factors affecting family members in all family burden domains. 6,7,11 Abuse of alcohol by mentally ill patients may have led either to misuse of badly needed family resources or to unacceptable behaviour while under the influence of alcohol. Behaviours that were exhibited beyond the confines of the home, for example, wandering, may have posed a threat to the patient and others outside the family.…”

“…Several studies from Africa have addressed the issue of the burden of care giving on families of mentally ill patients. [5][6][7][8] However, no study has been conducted in Kenya on the subjective and objective dimensions of the burden of care on relatives of psychiatric in-patients. This study aimed to fill the gap in the knowledge of the extent of this burden, and to provide suggestions for possible interventions at both policy and practice levels in the Kenyan context.…”

Dispelling a myth: developing world poverty, inequality, violence and social fragmentation are not good for outcome in schizophrenia

“…Suicide rates are high and psychiatry and mental illness are taboo concepts. Finally, the burden on families within the 'developing world', already struggling with basic survival needs, is great 46 -support for families and caregivers is generally non-existent.…”

Barriers in the mind: promoting an economic case for mental health in low‐ and middle‐income countries

“…In Ethiopia, Shibre et al (20) looked at the impact of schizophrenia on 300 family caregivers in traditional rural communities. Relatives experienced financial difficulties, constraints on their social life, reduced opportunities to work and strained family relationships.…”