Family Environment and Adaptive Family Interventions for Schizophrenia in Pakistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64229/1093p708Keywords:
Schizophrenia, Family Intervention, Cultural Adaptation, Expressed Emotion, Relapse Prevention, Community Mental HealthAbstract
Background: Schizophrenia remains a significant mental health challenge in Pakistan, where family plays a crucial role in disease management. Despite the established importance of family interventions in Western contexts, little research has explored culturally adapted approaches in Pakistan's unique socio-cultural environment.
Objective: This study examines the relationship between family environmental factors and schizophrenia outcomes in Pakistan and evaluates the effectiveness of a culturally adapted family intervention protocol.
Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed, combining quantitative assessment of 150 patient-family dyads with qualitative interviews with 25 family members. Quantitative measures included the Perceived Family Environment Scale (PFES), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and Social Disability Screening Schedule (SDSS). The intervention group received a 12-session culturally adapted family intervention, while the control group received standard care.
Results: Preliminary findings indicate that specific family environment characteristics—including high expressed emotion, criticism, and overinvolvement—were significantly correlated with symptom severity and relapse rates. Patients receiving the culturally adapted family intervention demonstrated significantly greater improvements in symptom reduction (PANSS score reduction of 45.2% vs. 28.7% in controls), social functioning (SDSS improvement of 38.4% vs. 21.3% in controls), and relapse rates (22% vs. 48% in controls) at 9-month follow-up.
Conclusion: Culturally adapted family interventions show significant promise in improving outcomes for schizophrenia patients in Pakistan. Implementation should consider country-specific socio-cultural factors, including family structures, beliefs about mental illness, and healthcare access limitations.
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