How Do People With Schizophrenia Manage Their Daily Life? A Qualitative Study.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Mental Health Research
• Qualitative Health Research

Background:

• Long-term mental health conditions necessitate a shift towards living meaningfully with illness.
• Self-management is crucial for individuals with schizophrenia to navigate daily life consequences.
• Current literature lacks the perspective of people with schizophrenia on their self-management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and identify how individuals with schizophrenia manage their daily lives.
• To understand the lived experiences of self-management in schizophrenia.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative descriptive design utilizing semi-structured interviews (n=9).
• Participants were stabilized individuals with schizophrenia reintegrated into the community.
• Thematic analysis was employed for data analysis, adhering to COREQ guidelines.

Main Results:

• Self-management in schizophrenia is an individualized process centered on personal daily activities.
• Participants actively managed daily life to prevent relapse.
• Personal, social, and schizophrenia-related factors acted as barriers and facilitators, managed through daily activities.

Conclusions:

• Self-management interventions should prioritize supporting patients in establishing daily structure through meaningful activities.
• Healthcare professionals must recognize the dual nature of self-management in stabilized schizophrenia.
• Future interventions need to be tailored to individual needs and contextual factors.