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International Journal of Nursing & Clinical Practices Volume 3 (2016), Article ID 3:IJNCP-182, 5 pages
http://dx.doi.org/10.15344/2394-4978/2016/182
Research Article
Stigma Experienced by Caregivers of Patients with Schizophrenia: A Qualitative Study

Hui-Man Huang1, Yu-Chih Jen2 and Ya-Fen Lien3*

1Department of Nursing, Chang Jung Christian University, No.1,Changda Rd.,Gueiren District, Tainan City 71101, Taiwan(R.O.C.)
2Reui-Fong Nursing Home Care Center, Taiwan(R.O.C.)
3Department of Nursing, Meiho University, 23, Pingguang Rd., Neipu, Pingtung, 91202,Taiwan( R.O.C.)
Dr. Ya-Fen Lien, Department of Nursing, Meiho University, 23, Pingguang Rd., Neipu, Pingtung, 91202,Taiwan(R.O.C.); E-mail: lienyafen@pchome.com.tw
13 February 2016; 08 May 2016; 10 May 2016
Huang HM, Jen YC, Lien YF (2016) Stigma Experienced by Caregivers of Patients with Schizophrenia: A Qualitative Study. Int J Nurs Clin Pract 3: 182. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.15344/2394-4978/2016/182

Abstract

Background: Stigmatization of patients with mental illness has been investigated in numerous studies. Little research has explored how caregivers of schizophrenia patients perceive and experience stigmatization.
Aim: This study designed to explore the subjective experience of stigma from the perspectives of caregivers of patients with schizophrenia, during the process of caring schizophrenic patients.
Methods: A qualitative study with in-depth interviews was used. Narrative data was obtained by 15 care givers of schizophrenia patients. A thematic analysis method was used to analyze data.
Results: Four themes, including 10 sub-themes linked to the stigma experience of care givers. The four themes were: (a)symptom disturbance is the fundament to the root of calamity;(b)negative perception is a shackle strapped to you for all life; (c) illness in a family leads to a lifelong labor; (d)not knowing the path of the future.
Conclusions/Implications to clinical practices: The findings from this study could help psychiatric nurses to recognize the stigma experience caregivers had faced during the process of caring schizophrenia patients. The findings also call for the development of anti-stigma programs, which are needed to help reduce discrimination towards individuals with schizophrenia in Taiwan.