The Social Support Perceived by Patients with Schizophrenia at Ali-Kamal Center in Sulaimani City, Kurdistan of Iraq

1. INTRODUCTION

Schizophrenia is one of the major mental disorders, characterized by a various range of symptoms, such as hallucinations, delusion, disorganized speech, disorganized behavior, and negative symptoms characterized by the shortages of social functioning [1]-[3]. Twenty million people are affected by schizophrenia worldwide [4]. Many factors may increase or decrease the likelihood of developing schizophrenia, and patients’ perception of social support greatly affects the progress of schizophrenia [5]. Social support can be defined as the particular assumptions and perceptions of individuals regarding how much feel adored, esteemed, and admired by others and feel belong to a circle of communication and collective accountability [6].

Much evidence proves the greater link between social support and enhancing personal well-being which can also be a greater assistance also from reducing uncertainty and increasing awareness for controlling one’s life and and strengthening mental health [7]. In addition, social support is one of the best strategies to help individuals with schizophrenia cope with upsetting life circumstances and to alleviate the severity of psychotic symptoms in most of the patients [8]. Regarding individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia social support can be one of the foundational factors and has a crucial role in helping patients in psychological treatment [9], [10]. However, the provision of such support hinges upon the recognition and inclusion of individuals within a community that demonstrates care, value, and respect toward them and may imply recovery the absence of psychiatric. In addition, information exchange, sharing perceptions, emotional support, and assistance at some point are the four primary parts of social support these forms of support can have a positive impact on individuals maintaining mental health.

Moreover, the schizophrenic patient has a greater degree of loneliness in this matter social support is a physical and emotional support given to those patients by their families and is an influence in decreasing loneliness degrees. By examining these aspects, we focus on the diverse and dynamic nature of schizophrenia within this certain context. In addition, several factors may increase or decrease the chance of developing schizophrenia. These factors include an individual’s perception of social support, which greatly affects readiness for treatment [11]. Social support helps schizophrenic patients fulfill the social needs individuals possess and fosters self-esteem and correlation and provides significant support. On the other hand, a lack of social support can indirectly affect the patient and make it difficult for them to access medication which leads to medication nonadherence and this is considered a high risk of return in those patients [12].

This study aims to explore the sociodemographic landscape and clinical manifestations and assess social support perceived by community patients diagnosed with schizophrenia at the Ali-Kamal Health Center in Sulaimani City. By deeper understanding of challenges and resources, it is important to make more targets in the effectiveness of social support in individuals with schizophrenia [13].

2. MATERIALS AND METHODS

3. RESULTS

The predominant age within the studied sample comprises individuals in the 18–39 years’ age group, constituting (65%) of the total. Gender distribution demonstrates (64%) identified as male and (36%) as female. Marital status analysis reveals that nearly half of the sample is married (49%), while single individuals constitute (34%). The economic landscape is characterized by a diverse distribution, with (48%) indicating an insufficient economic status.

Educational attainment predominantly reflects the completion of school education, with (82%) of the sample falling into this category. A notable proportion of individuals reside in urban areas, accounting for (68%) of the total. In terms of occupation, a significant segment, totaling (55%), is currently not engaged in employment.

Table 1 presents the sociodemographic characteristics of the studied patients, where the majority of participants were between 18-39 years (65%), with a predominance of males (64%) and married individuals (49%).

Table 1: Sociodemographics characteristics of the studied sample

Table 2 show that majority of patients (60%) have an illness duration of <5 years, followed by (30%) with a duration of 6–10 years, and a minimal percentage (10%) experiencing an illness duration of ≥10 years. The majority of patients (62%) experienced the onset of their condition within the age range of 18–45 years. A small percentage of patients had an onset age beyond 45 years.

Table 2: Clinical characteristics of the sample

Table 3 shows that the majority of patients have the highest frequency of social support related to item 1 “There is a special person who is around when I am in need” rated 63% strongly agree with, and the lowest percentage to item 4 “I get the emotional help and support I need from my family” was rated 1% with very strongly disagree.

Table 3: Social support responses of the studied patients

Table 4 reveals that statistically nonsignificant difference in the factor age group, marital status, residential area, and occupation regarding social support (P > 0.05). However, there was a statistically significant difference in the mean score of social support related to the factors of educational level (total mean 1.27 ± 5941 P < 0.01) economic status (total mean 2.0 ± 0.775 P < 0.04), and gender (total mean 1.53 ± 0.516 P < 0.05). Moreover, the results show that low mean social support is about such factors.

Table 4: The sociodemographics and social support of studied patients

Table 5 shows that low mean of social support of family, friends, and significant others about the duration of illness and onset age; however, the mean score of social support regarding friends was high (1.57 ± 0.452) compared to family and significant others (1.57 ± 0.501 and 1.55 ± 506); also, the mean score of significant others was high compared to family (1.54 ± 508) and friends (1.52 ± 0.511). Can sequentially there were no statistically significant differences with the factors of duration of illness and onset of age about social support P > 0.05.

Table 5: The duration of the illness and onset age of social support

4. DISCUSSION

The findings of this study illuminate several critical aspects of the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients with schizophrenia, as well as their social support systems. The result revealed a predominant age demographic of 18–39 years, which is consistent with the literature indicating that schizophrenia commonly manifests in early adulthood [14]. The gender distribution in the sample, with a slight male predominance, aligns with previous research, suggesting a marginally higher incidence of schizophrenia among males [15].

The results show that patients had low perceived social support, this finding is consistent with the study conducted by other studies who reported moderate to high levels of perceived social support from family friends, and significant others [12]. The current study findings may be related to the levels of recovery for patients [5].

The study findings revealed that all sociodemographic and psychiatric history factors had no -statistically significant association with the levels of social support except gender, economic status, and education level of the patients.

In this study, gender is a statistically significant determinant factor and low social support. In addition, the result indicates that the male patients were more likely to have low social support related to their friends. This result is consistent with Hussein (2012) [16] and reported that low social support has been implicated as a factor leading to relapse.

In addition, economic status appeared to be significantly associated with social support, this could be attributed to the potential effects of economic status on stress, which is implanted to low social support among patients [17], [18].

Furthermore, the results significant association between educational level and perceived social support that lower educational attainment may be a factor in a low level of social support possibly due to limited access to mental information and resources [19]. The duration of illness and onset age findings further contribute to the understanding of schizophrenia’s progression, emphasizing the need for early intervention strategies to mitigate long-term disability [7].

Our findings indicate a strong perception of support low level of among patients, particularly about family individuals being available in times of need. This highlights the critical role of personal relationships in providing emotional support and coping mechanisms for individuals with schizophrenia [20]. However, the variance in levels of perceived social support across different items suggests that the quality and type of support may significantly impact patients’ experiences and outcomes.

This study has several implications for clinical practice and policy. First, the significant associations between some sociodemographic factors and perceived social support underscore the importance of comprehensive treatment approaches that address not only the clinical symptoms of schizophrenia but also personal factors affecting patients. Second, the high value placed on social support by patients suggests that interventions aimed at strengthening social networks could be beneficial in managing schizophrenia.

5. LIMITATION

This study’s limitations include its sample selection from one setting, which precludes causal inferences and the potential for selection bias given the specific population studied. Future research should employ longitudinal designs to explore the causal relationships between sociodemographic factors, clinical characteristics, social support, and schizophrenia outcomes.

6. CONCLUSION

The study provides valuable insights into the sociodemographic and clinical profiles of individuals with schizophrenia, highlighting the significant association of gender economic status, and educational level with low levels of social support. The pivotal role of social support as perceived by patients emphasizes the need for holistic treatment approaches that incorporate psychosocial interventions alongside pharmacological treatment to improve the outcomes for individuals with schizophrenia.

7. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

This study obtained approval from the ethical committee at the College of Medicine and the council at the College of Nursing at Sulaimani University. Approval was also granted by the Sulaimani General Director. The director of the Ali Kamal Consultation Center and the psychiatric clinic were informed about this study, and permission was obtained to facilitate the research. Patients who met the criteria were included as participants in this study. Ethical clearance involved providing information to each patient about the study, the right to withdraw at any time, the confidentiality of data, and obtaining verbal informed consent.

8. CONFLICTS OF INTERESTS

The author affirms that they have no conflicts of interest.

9. FUNDING

Author fees provided financial support for the study.