Duha Abdul Rahman Mohammed
PhD student in Department of Nursing, Hawler Medical University, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Abdulqader Hussein Hamad
Prof Dr. in Department of Nursing, Hawler Medical University, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
ABSTRACT
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by disruptions in thought processes, perceptions, emotional responsiveness, and social interactions. Although the course of schizophrenia varies among individuals, schizophrenia is typically persistent and can be both severe and disabling. General aim: To evaluate the psychosocial experiences of caregivers of schizophrenic patients, focusing on perceived stigma, self-esteem, and social support. Methodology A descriptive correlational design was performed for the purposes of the current study that are stated earlier to determine the relationships between perceived stigma, self-esteem, and social support among caregivers with schizophrenic outpatients started from June 12th, 2024 to May 14th 2025 The study was conducted in AlRasafa health director in Baghdad City, this is the center in the city contains two biggest hospitals for mental illness are Al Rashad training hospital, and Ibn Rushd teaching hospital, socio-demographical consist of 16 items for caregivers data; the second part includes the items related to Stigma Devaluation Scale (SDS) consist of 12 items, The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale consist of 10 items, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) consist of 12 items. Result: shows the majority gender distribution among the participants in the study revealing that the females represented 50.45% (n=56) of the total sample. The average age of the participants was 48.57, with standard deviation of 14.86. regarding the Kinship with patients 41.44% (n=46) were parents. In regarding to marital status most of schizophrenic care givers were married about 62.16% (n=69). Social economic distribution, not enough 54.96%. The participants qualifications are categorized according educational level variable, accordingly as 31.53% (n=35), having primary school education, 9.82% (n=22) illiterate level. Working status variable, the most participants were housewives 41.44% (n=46). Caregivers of schizophrenic outpatients have 51.35% high perceived stigma, while 51.35% have high self-esteem and 68.47 % have moderate social support. Conclusion the females of schizophrenic care givers were married, Social economic distribution, not enough, having primary school education, the most participants were housewives. Caregivers of schizophrenic outpatients have high perceived stigma, while have high self-esteem and have moderate social support.
Keywords: Stigma, Psychosocial Profile, Caregivers, Schizophrenia.
