Needs of Children of Parents with Schizophrenia

Abstract

Background: Children with parents suffering from schizophrenia are at risk of different challenges as they are more vulnerable to experiencing physical, mental, and social health problems. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the needs of children whose parents suffer from schizophrenic disorder, in Qazvin, Iran. Methods: In this qualitative content analysis study, children were selected using purposive sampling method. The inclusion criteria were no history of mental disorders in children and living with parents, one of whom was suffering from schizophrenia. The data were collected using interviews, observations, and note-taking, and the data collection continued until data saturation was reached. Then the collected data were analyzed using the conventional content analysis. Results: The main theme extracted in this study was "support" with economic, psychological, and informational subthemes. Conclusion: The needs of the children having parents with schizophrenic disorders have been changing from their childhood because of tensions aroused by the parent's illness. According to the findings, it is recommended to promote information and education on mental illness at the community level to the extent possible. Moreover, the families and relatives of these patients are also suggested to receive such training. Furthermore, a support system for the children with mentally-ill parents would be efficient to prevent problems.

Keywords

• schizophrenia
• children
• parents
• support
• content analysis
• psychiatric disorders
• qualitative research
• nursing