Experiences of Caregivers of Individuals with Schizophrenia in the Accra Metropolis

Abstract

Background: This research explores the experiences of caregivers of individuals with schizophrenia in the Accra metropolis. A review of the literature surrounding the experiences of caregivers of individuals with schizophrenia illustrated that this topic is widely researched globally except Ghana. Nevertheless, there is paucity of literature involving caregivers of individuals with schizophrenia in the Accra metropolis, making the area of psychiatric research largely neglected in the country. Method: The researcher uses an exploratory descriptive qualitative design for the study. Sample Size: the study comprised of twelve (12) caregivers of individuals with schizophrenia. Sampling Technique: a purposive sampling technique was employed to select participants for the study. Data collection: The researcher conducted one to one in-depth interviews. Data Analysis: The researcher was guided by Miles and Huberman‘s 1994 framework of thematic content analysis. Ethical Approval: ethical approval for the study was sought from the institutional review board of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research at the University of Ghana, Legon for ethical clearance and approval. Permission letter was sent to the Pantang hospital‘s ethical review board for site approval. Consent: consent for this study was obtained from participants. Conclusion: base on the findings, recommendations were made on nursing research, nursing administration and nursing research.