Views of people with schizophrenia and their caregivers towards the needs for psychiatric rehabilitation in urban and rural areas of mainland china.
Author: Tsui, M. C. M., & Tsang, H. W. H.
Journal: Psychiatry Research
Abstract:
This qualitative study explores and compares the views of the individuals with schizophrenia
and their caregivers in the urban and rural areas of Wuxi towards the needs for psychiatric
rehabilitation. The results may more precisely guide the government and policy makers to
tailor the corresponding strategies and services. With interview guides, individual face-to-
face semi-structured interviews were conducted among a total of 16 participants (four people
with schizophrenia and their caregivers in the urban areas and in the rural areas,
respectively). All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using an
inductive approach. The findings revealed commonalities and discrepancies on their views
about the needs of rehabilitation interventions and community care, the healthcare resources
for medication, the major factors of employment, and the support to caregivers for facilitating
recovery. Some policy and service implications to promote psychiatric rehabilitation of the
people with schizophrenia and their caregivers in Wuxi are discussed. With careful
consideration of the possible socio-cultural differences, the findings may also serve as
references for the related researchers and clinicians in other regions in China.