The experiences, perceptions and meaning of recovery for Swazi women living with Sifo Sengcondvo ‘Schizophrenia’

Nxumalo-Ngubane, SC 2016, The experiences, perceptions and meaning of recovery for Swazi women living with Sifo Sengcondvo ‘Schizophrenia’ , PhD thesis, University of Salford.

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Abstract

Background: Recovery from severe mental illness, namely schizophrenia, is a contemporary issue. Globally, twenty-four million people live with schizophrenia, men and women being equally affected. Of those diagnosed with schizophrenia, 90% are said to be living in developing countries. However, while Western culture has recognised the centrality of service user expertise within the process of recovery, little attention has been given to those living with such illness in developing countries, such as those in Sub-Saharan Africa, Swaziland being one of them. Schizophrenia is of great concern in Swaziland, as it is most prevalent amongst the 25 to 45 year olds, compromising productivity and adversely affecting the country’s economy. While both men and women contribute to the Swazi economy, and can be equally affected by the illness, there appears to be stigma and discrimination of women in the provision of mental health care. This study explored the perceptions, experiences and meaning of recovery for Swazi women living with schizophrenia with a view to improving the mental health care offered to them in Swaziland. Method: Qualitative phenomenology was used to guide the research process. A convenient purposive sample of fifteen Swazi women, diagnosed with schizophrenia, was recruited from the Swaziland National Psychiatric Hospital (SNPH) out patients’ department. One to one, face to face interviews were conducted, audio recorded, translated and transcribed by the researcher. Interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to analyse the data. Findings: More than half of the women defined recovery in terms of remission of symptoms, and acknowledged the importance of taking prescribed medication in promoting their recovery. The majority of participants identified helping others, involvement in community activities and spirituality as important enhancers of their recovery. Health professionals working at SNPH both promoted and hindered their recovery. Conclusion: The findings of this study add to a developing body of knowledge regarding women’s recovery from schizophrenia in Sub-Saharan Africa, having implications for future African/Swazi consumer focused mental health services.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Schools:	Schools > School of Health and Society
Funders:	Non funded research
Depositing User:	USIR Admin
Date Deposited:	20 Mar 2017 09:54
Last Modified:	27 Aug 2021 20:34
URI:	https://usir.salford.ac.uk/id/eprint/40718

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