Exploring the Care-receiving Experiences of People with Severe Mental Illness, Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa,Ethiopia:A Qualitative Study.
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Date
2022-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: - An understanding of the experience of individuals living with severe mental
illness cared by mental health professionals and caregivers promote better understanding of the
patient. This may in turn promote enhancement of the therapeutic relationship, engagement of
people living with severe mental illness in their care and finally improvement of clinical
outcomes.
Objective: - To explore the care-receiving experience of people with severe mental illness
receiving care at Ammanuel Mental Specialized Hospital.
Method: - a qualitative study design was used. Nine in-depth interviews were conducted using
semi-structured questions. The in-depth interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and
translated into English. Data was coded by using open code 4.03 software package and thematic
analysis was used to identify key themes.
Results: - There appear five overarching themes with underlying subthemes: firstly, the
meaning to illness and care received. Most participants mentioned that it is very difficult to
accept mental illness and they tend to accept it gradually and mentioned the care received was
lifesaving and mean a lot for their survival. Secondly, Positive experiences of care received,
most had positive experiences regarding the care they received. They mentioned variety of
positive expectations and hopes about what the care they received would lead to in terms of
improvement in their current and future situations. Thirdly, negative experiences of care
received, their negative care receiving experiences emanated from different problems they
encountered and stigma they faced while receiving care. Fourthly, relationships with care
provider in which most experienced good relationships while few experienced bad relationships
and finally coping mechanisms.
Conclusion: - The study revealed the positive and negative experiences of people with severe
mental illness regarding the care received. It is paramount importance to continue positive aspect
of the care provided and to devise ways to tackle negative aspect of care voiced by care receivers
to improve care provisions that enhance patients’ recovery.
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Keywords
Mental illness