Family Experiences in Caring for People with Schizophrenia: A Qualitative Study

Background: Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that leads to significant suffering and the inability to maintain relationships with family members. Families have had meaningful experiences during their care, as this mental disorder requires long-term care and increases the burden on the family. This family's role is crucial to the healing process for people with schizophrenia. The purpose of this study is to describe family experiences with schizophrenia treatment. Methods: This study is qualitative descriptive research. Participants were divided into three family groups, each consisting of 4 to 8 people, with a total of 16 families participating. The participant-taking technique used is purposive sampling. Researchers collect data through focus group discussions (FGD). Researchers employ framework analysis as a data analysis technique. Results: The research found five themes: negative emotions, positive emotions, family burdens, stigma, and coping strategies. Families can experience negative emotions of anger, frustration, and fear when treating people with schizophrenia. The family also feels positive emotions of hope, patience, and gratitude. Long-term care and high dependence increase the burden on the family. There's still family stigma and public stigma. As time passed, the family developed a coping strategy to adapt to the existing stressors. Conclusion: The family has valuable experience in providing care to people with schizophrenia. Nurses need to provide family intervention to deal with the stress and stigma perceived by the family.