Relapses in psychiatric patients in the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa
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Date
1995
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Abstract
This is a descriptive exploratory study which aimed at
deteimining the extent of relapses in psychiatric patients in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa;
determining the factors that contribute to such relapses, and
determining possible solutions to the problem.
Admission records of the three psychiatric institutions in this province were studied to determine the relapse/readmission rates during the year 1993. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used to determine the contributory factors and possible solutions from professional nurses, patients and their relatives respectively.
The major findings of the study confirmed the hypotheses made which were
there is a dire shortage of psychiatric services for both inpatient and after care which makes patient care, rehabilitation, and keeping of the patients in the community ineffective.
the knowledge, and attitude of patients' relatives towards the patients, are not conducive to patient rehabilitation and maintenance within the community;
lack of aftercare services contribute to patients' substance abuse, treatment default and other problems and/or behaviours which cause patients to relapse.
Recommendations for solving this problem from professional nurses, patients and their relatives emphasised the importance of after care services as well as effective follow up by community psychiatric nurses. The researcher made recommendations based on the findings.
Description
Submitted in fufilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts: Curationis, in Nursing Science Department at the University of Zululand, 1995.
Keywords
Psychotherapy patients--Natal (South Africa)