Volume 5, Issue 2 (Summer 2003)
Advances in Cognitive Sciences 2003, 5(2): 16-25 |
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Abstract: (3749 Views)
Objective: The goal of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate stigma and its related factors among the families of patients with schizophrenia, major depressive disorder (MDD) and Bipolar disorder (BD).
Method: One-hundred patients were selected from each group by convenient sampling method. A self - administered 34 items questionnaire was the main tool for data collection.
Results: This study showed that 49% of the schizophrenia group, 30% of the MDD group and 50.5% of the BD group were humiliated & discriminated by the others. There was a significant relationship between the patient's gender and rate of being humilated only in the MDD group. A significant relationship was observed between the duration of the disorder, number of hospitalization and rate of being humilated. There was a significant relationship between the number of hospitalization and the rate of stigmatization in the schizophrenia and MDD groups. The way the families of these patients expressed their patients' problems was significantly different as compared to the way used by the families of other patients.
Conclusion: This study shows that a significant proportion of the psychiatric patients families suffer from stigmatization which in turn makes them feel ashamed of having such a patient. The type of psychiatric disorder and some of the demographic characteristics play a major role in this regard. Application of appropriate educational programs can be effective in increasing the community knowledge.
Method: One-hundred patients were selected from each group by convenient sampling method. A self - administered 34 items questionnaire was the main tool for data collection.
Results: This study showed that 49% of the schizophrenia group, 30% of the MDD group and 50.5% of the BD group were humiliated & discriminated by the others. There was a significant relationship between the patient's gender and rate of being humilated only in the MDD group. A significant relationship was observed between the duration of the disorder, number of hospitalization and rate of being humilated. There was a significant relationship between the number of hospitalization and the rate of stigmatization in the schizophrenia and MDD groups. The way the families of these patients expressed their patients' problems was significantly different as compared to the way used by the families of other patients.
Conclusion: This study shows that a significant proportion of the psychiatric patients families suffer from stigmatization which in turn makes them feel ashamed of having such a patient. The type of psychiatric disorder and some of the demographic characteristics play a major role in this regard. Application of appropriate educational programs can be effective in increasing the community knowledge.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2003/02/20 | Accepted: 2003/04/21 | Published: 2003/06/22
Received: 2003/02/20 | Accepted: 2003/04/21 | Published: 2003/06/22
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