Effect of psycho-educational program on social functioning and self-stigma among schizophrenic patients

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a severe form of psychosis with a wide spectrum of symptoms which negatively affect patients' social functioning and increase their self-stigma. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of psycho-educational program on social functioning and self-stigma among schizophrenic patients. This study used a quasi-experimental research design. 50 hospitalized patients with schizophrenia at Minia Hospital for Mental Health and addiction treatment were included. Personal and clinical data sheet, social functioning scale, and internalized stigma of mental illness scale were utilized. The study's results revealed a significant increase in the social functioning scores at the posttest and follow-up's test than at pretest. Conversely, self-stigma score was decreased significantly at the posttest and follow-up's test compared to the pretest. Also, a negative correlation was found between social functioning and self-stigma. Conclusion: Psycho-educational program was effective in enhancing schizophrenic patients' social functioning and reducing their self-stigma. Continuous provision of psycho-educational programs was recommended for schizophrenic patients to increase their social functioning and decrease their self-stigma.