Development of a symptom self-management program for outpatients with Schizophrenia and their families in Thailand

Abstract

Aims: This pilot study aimed to develop, implement, and test the feasibility of a symptom self-management program to increase functioning of adult outpatients with schizophrenia in Thailand. Methods: A one-group pretest-post-test quasi-experimental research design was employed. Nine outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia and their families were recruited from a university hospital in Bangkok, Thailand The intervention consisted of six 2-hour intensive weekly sessions and monthly follow-up sessions. Data were collected on the efficacy of group sessions and their cultural appropriateness for Thai patients. Global Assessment of Functioning and Social Functioning Scales were used to assess the patients. Family functioning, empowerment, attitudes, and Apgar scores were used to measure the family outcomes. Data were analysed by using descriptive statistics and repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: Findings indicated that outpatients and their families appreciated the program because of the information provided about the illness, stress management skills such as positive thinking, and problem solving, as well as support from group members. After the 6-month follow-up session, the score for patients' Global Assessment of functioning, interpersonal behaviour were significantly increased (p < 0.05). The level of independence performance at the 3-month follow-up session was significantly higher than that of the 6-month follow-up session (p<0.05). After the 6-month follow-up session, family attitudes were significantly improved (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The symptom self-management program had benefits for Thai outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia and their families, and may provide patients with stress management skills for coping with daily stress and improving their global functioning as well as family attitudes towards the patient. © 2007 Scientific Communications International Limited.