Family Environment, Socio-occupational Functioning, Illness Outcome and Gender Differences in Schizophrenia

Abstract

Background: Schizophrenia is a serious but treatable brain disorder form of mental illness.  In this disorder affected population was about 7 per 1000 of the adult population. It is also estimated that globally about 29 million people are currently living with this debilitating illness. Research studies on schizophrenia over the last three decades have demonstrated various relationships between family and illness. Following the implementation of the deinstitutionalization model most persons with schizophrenia were cared for by a family member. The family environment could be crucial in the outcome of the illness however very little research has focused on the family environment and its relationship with illness outcome and gender differences were not been studied so far. Aim: The major aim of the study was to examine the family environment, illness outcome and gender differences in schizophrenia. Methods and Material: In this study, 104 participants were selected purposively. Data were collected using a Socio-demographic data sheet, family relationship index (FRI), positive and negative symptoms scale (PANSS) and socio-occupational functioning scales (SOFS). Patients and family members were interviewed in the inpatient and outpatient departments.

Result: There was a significant correlation between various domains of the family relationship index and illness outcomes among patients. Detailed result is described in the paper. 

Keywords: Family environment, schizophrenia, illness outcome, gender