Barriers to maintaining dignity for patients with schizophrenia: A qualitative study

Since dignity is one of the fundamental rights of each patient, maintaining patients' dignity is essential. Unfortunately, in many cases, particularly among patients with schizophrenia (SCZ), dignity is not fully respected. Nonetheless, there is limited knowledge regarding this matter in Middle Eastern Nations.

This study aimed to identify the barriers to maintaining dignity for patients with schizophrenia from the perspective of patients with schizophrenia, their family caregivers, and healthcare personnel.

This qualitative study was conducted with patients (n = 16), family caregivers (n = 4), and healthcare personnel (n = 6) who were selected using a purposeful sampling method. The data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth face-to-face interviews until the data reached saturation. Data were analyzed using the Graneheim and Lundman method.

The Research Ethics Committee of Urmia University of Medical Sciences (IR.UMSU.REC.1401.099).

Analysis of the interviews revealed two main themes and five subthemes as the barriers to maintaining dignity for patients with schizophrenia. The main themes included "Black shadow of stigma" (three subthemes: "Facing the fear and discrimination of others," "Misconceptions in society," and "Social rejection") and "Facing violations" (two subthemes: "Basic human rights violation" and "Negative emotional responses").

Patients' dignity with schizophrenia was at a low level due to the negative attitude of society toward these patients. In this respect, the basic human rights violations, social rejection, and misconceptions were abundant in society and care centers. An in-depth comprehension of the threatening factors affecting dignity can assist policymakers in safeguarding their dignity through effective programs.