Assessment of Psychological Well-Being among Relatives of Patients Diagnosed with Psychotic Disorders in Neuro-Psychiatric Hospitals in South-West Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Psychotic disorder contributes to the mental health global burden. Having a family member suffering from the illness may  result in a caregiver's psychological well-being depletion, increased burden of care and low quality of life. The study assessed the  psychological well-being and the militating stressors against the relatives of patients diagnosed with psychotic disorder psychological  well-being in Neuro–a psychiatric hospital in South-west Nigeria.

Method: The research used a qualitative design to assess the  psychological well-being of relatives, militating stressors against their psychological well-being and coping strategies adopted. Samples  were obtained by purposive sampling technique to select forty-four (44) participants and one-on-one interviews using semi–structured  interviews done. The data were collected by interview and using a recorder and the same was transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.

Result: The results generated were categorized into themes and subthemes which included: lack of autonomy, acceptance  of the situation, insecure relationships with families and friends, poor environmental mastery, and impact on physical and psychological  well-being while the sub-themes included: uneasy decision, maladaptive coping, stigmatization, unsupportive family and friends, financial  burden, and reduced quality of life.

Conclusion: The study suggests that nurses and other health professionals aid relatives in  improving their coping skills, sensitization of the populace on mental disorders and provision of adequate information in the form of  educational intervention may enhance their psychological well-being.