Perceived causes of relapse among a sample of recovering psychiatric patients at a Mafikeng hospital.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to identify factors that are perceived by recovering psychiatric patients as contributing to their relapse. The participants were a convenient sample of out-patients at a psychiatric hospital in Mafikeng, north west South Africa. The sample consisted of 15 males and 15 females, aged 18 to 60 years (mean age = 38.7 years). The research data was collected using a questionnaire and non-structured interview. The results showed that 43 percent of the patients attributed their relapse to inability to adhere to prescribed medical intervention. Patients also attributed relapse to lack of social support (20 percent), grief following the loss of a close family member (20 percent), and lack of employment (17 percent). It is recommended that a more integrated approach aimed at providing effective social support be considered in relapse prevention.