3 research outputs found
Testing the effectiveness of existing psycho-educational material (The Alliance Programme) for patients suffering from schizophrenia in the South African context
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to test the effectiveness of the existing psycho-educational material (The Alliance
Programme) for patients suffering from schizophrenia in the South African context. METHOD: A qualitative research approach was
used. Fifteen Setswana speaking participants, with a diagnosis of schizophrenia were exposed to the programme. Semi-structured
and screening interviews were used to collect demographic and clinical data. The participants were divided into two groups and
were exposed to either the Alliance Programme or on adapted version of the programme. Participatory communication instruments
including focus groups, were used to assess comprehension and knowledge retention of the material over time. RESULTS:
Participants who were exposed to the original Alliance Programme experienced the contents of the programme to be technical,
difficult to read or recall. They were unable to relate their previous symptoms to the psycho-education given. Participants who were
exposed to the adapted version faired much better, gained more insight and were able to relate better to their illnesses. Participants
preferred booklets with examples and illustrations, video clips and films over formal lectures. CONCLUSION: Psycho-education
material given to people suffering from schizophrenia and their caregivers has to be adapted to their context to be effective
Testing the effectiveness of existing psycho-educational material (The Alliance Programme) for patients suffering from schizophrenia in the South African context
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to test the effectiveness of the existing psycho-educational material (The Alliance
Programme) for patients suffering from schizophrenia in the South African context. METHOD: A qualitative research approach was
used. Fifteen Setswana speaking participants, with a diagnosis of schizophrenia were exposed to the programme. Semi-structured
and screening interviews were used to collect demographic and clinical data. The participants were divided into two groups and
were exposed to either the Alliance Programme or on adapted version of the programme. Participatory communication instruments
including focus groups, were used to assess comprehension and knowledge retention of the material over time. RESULTS:
Participants who were exposed to the original Alliance Programme experienced the contents of the programme to be technical,
difficult to read or recall. They were unable to relate their previous symptoms to the psycho-education given. Participants who were
exposed to the adapted version faired much better, gained more insight and were able to relate better to their illnesses. Participants
preferred booklets with examples and illustrations, video clips and films over formal lectures. CONCLUSION: Psycho-education
material given to people suffering from schizophrenia and their caregivers has to be adapted to their context to be effective