Patient Preference and Adherence (Aug 2022)
Perceptions of Family Caregivers of Patients with Schizophrenia Towards Antipsychotics Associated Side-Effects in China:A Qualitative Study
Abstract
Hang Zhou,1 Fang Ma,2 Yi Zhang,2 Youqin Tan,2 Yangjuan Bai,3 Qiulan Hu,4 Wei Wei,5 Yanjiao Wang1 1Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, People’s Republic of China; 3Cardiology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, People’s Republic of China; 4ICU in Geriatric Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, People’s Republic of China; 5Neurosurgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Yanjiao Wang, Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 295#, Xichang Road, Kunming, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-138-889-29699, Email [email protected] Correspondence: Fang Ma, Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 295#, Xichang Road, Kunming, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-159-251-89957, Email [email protected]: To explore perceptions of antipsychotics associated side-effects among family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia.Patients and Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was applied in a tertiary referral hospital in China. Purposeful sampling of 18 family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia were interviewed about their perceptions towards antipsychotics related side effects.Results: According to content analysis, three themes emerged from the data: (a) nightmare in the treatment with the categories of sleep disturbances; physical impairment; appearance impairment; (b) opposite attitudes toward side-effect with the categories of being vigilant; do not care; (c) diverse ways of coping side-effects with the categories of asking for help from professionals; self-determined; try any quack’s prescription.Conclusion: The side effects of antipsychotics not only damage the health of patients, but also increase the burden and stress of caregivers. However, caregivers have different attitudes and coping styles about the side effects of antipsychotics. Health professionals should be aware of the influence of individual background and cultural factors on caregivers’ attitudes towards drug side effects. Furthermore, health professionals should also provide caregivers with knowledge about drug side effects, coping skills, and appropriate management strategies to promote health outcomes for people with schizophrenia.Keywords: schizophrenia, family caregivers, antipsychotics, drug side effects, content analysis
