| dc.description.abstract | The problem of recurrent readmission of schizophrenic patients into the hospital has an impact on the service provision to all patients. Those frequently admitted patients usually occupy most beds and also utilize the limited hospital resources and time of the professionals. This makes it difficult to provide quality service to other psychiatric patients. The aim of the study was to ascertain the factors associated with recurrent in-patient admissions. The research was conducted at the Amanuel Psychiatric Hospital, Ethiopia. The biopsychosocial model was used as conceptual framework of the study, which represents a holistic approach emphasizing treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of the relapse of schizophrenic patients. The research employed quantitative survey methods and focus group interviews, The instruments used for data collection was structured interviews and a questionnaire for schizophrenic patients and health professionals respectively and an interview guide for focus group interviews. Samples of 43 schizophrenic patients and 20 health professionals were selected using random sampling methods, and 14 care-givers were selected using a purposive sampling method. The quantitative data was analyzed using the SPSS program and the data from the focus group interviews was analyzed by generating themes. The findings obtained from this triangulated study has shown that the modifiable factors i.e. medication non-compliance, poor after-care services, poor socio-economic conditions, that and alcohol abuse, were mainly associated with frequent readmissions of schizophrenic patients- Side effects of the drugs, lack of enough food to tolerate the unwanted effect of the drugs and negative attitudes to the treatment, were the reasons given for the medication non-compliance. The absence of continuity of care and support, lack of community psychiatric services and rehabilitation programs were mentioned as poor after-care services. Lack of money for food, transport and medication as well as stigmatization, rejection and abuse were the main socio-economic problems of the patients. The problems of khat and alcohol abuse were frequently mentioned by the focus group informants as common. More male patients tended to be readmitted than female patients. More than 90olo of the patients' themselves and their caregivers did not know the diagnosis of the patient. Community psychiatric services and psychosocial rehabilitation programs as well as family psycho-education and support systems should be promoted to reduce the risk of rehospitalization. Although the findings of this study is not representative due to the small sample size, it provides a starting point about the problems associated with schizophrenic readmissions and it also serve as a basis for further studies and for the development of an appropriate model for community psychiatric care and services. | en_US |
