Certifiable disability in schizophrenia and its correlates: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Disability associated with schizophrenia has an impact on various domains of life. Patients with >40% disability are entitled for getting benefits from the government. The study aimed at assessing the certifiable disability, severity of the disability, and its correlates in patients with schizophrenia. Materials and Methods: Tertiary hospital-based cross-sectional study comprised of 63 patients with schizophrenia fulfilling the selection criteria. The data included sociodemographic and illness variables. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Medication Adherence Rating Scale, and Glasgow Antipsychotic Side-effects Scale were used to assess the symptom severity, treatment adherence, and side effects, respectively. The Indian Disability Evaluation Assessment Scale (IDEAS) was used to evaluate the disability. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software. Results: Majority of the patients (53.7%) had certifiable disability. About 46% of patients had mild level of disability, while 39.7% had moderate level of disability, 1.6% had severe level of disability, and 12.7% had profound disability. The disability was observed to be more in the work, social relationships, and communication domain of IDEAS. There was a strong positive correlation between symptom severity, antipsychotic side effects, and disability. The disability was greater in patients who had a poor medication adherence. Conclusion: Patients with schizophrenia have a significant certifiable disability in all domains of life. Symptomatology, antipsychotic side effects, and medication adherence are important predictors of disability. Preventive and rehabilitative measures should be taken for controlling these modifiable factors which would help in limiting disability. Suitable guidance should be given to avail the disability benefits.