Impact of Social Support on Recovery Process among Patients Diagnosed with Schizophrenia

Abstract

Background: Individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia are prone to experiencing greater challenges than their peers when it comes to their social networks, everyday tasks, and leisure pursuits. The prognosis of schizophrenia is thought to be significantly influenced by the social support system of the patient. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between perceived social support and recovery among patients with schizophrenia. Research Design: This study used a descriptive correlational research design. Setting: The study was carried out at the psychiatric and mental health hospital's outpatient clinics in Benha City, Qalyubia governorate. Subjects: 200 schizophrenia patients with a purposeful sample were selected from the previously described setting. Tools: Three tools were employed to gather data: I) Sociodemographic and clinical data sheet was included in self-administered questionnaire. II) Perceived Social Support Scale with Multiple Dimensions. III) RAS (Recovery Assessment Scale). Results: The findings showed that mild levels of perceived social support were reported by (68%) of the patients in the study. Additionally, (69.5%) of the patients in the study recovered to a moderate degree. Conclusion: The study found that the patients' overall perceived social support score and overall recovery score showed a highly statistically significant positive correlation. Recommendations: Develop effective psychoeductional and motivational training programs to enhance Patients’ social and emotional regulation abilities as well as lessen their depressive symptoms.