An exploratory study on the feasibility and appropriateness of family psychoeducation for postpartum women with psychosis in Uganda

BACKGROUND: We explored how family psychoeducation could be made culturally sensitive for postpartum mothers with psychotic illness in a Ugandan setting. METHODS: A qualitative multi-method approach using an already existing family psychoeducation Tool Kit was adapted to incorporate lay perceptions related to psychotic illness in the postpartum period in this Ugandan setting. The participants consisted of postpartum women with psychotic illness, caregivers/family members, psychiatric nurses and psychologists. A modified version of a family psychoeducation programme for postpartum women with psychosis was formulated and pilot-tested. RESULTS: Modifications in the standard family psychoeducation programme were both in the process and content of family psychoeducation. Under process, effective communication, cultural background, appropriate dress, involving only one family member, low literacy, and flexibility in timekeeping were raised. The theme of content yielded the incorporation of lay perceptions of mental illness, family planning, income generating, and an emphasis of premorbid and morbid personalities of the patients. CONCLUSION: The basic principles and assumptions underlying psychoeducation remained the same. Changes made in the process and content of family psychoeducation reflected the social, cultural and gender reality of the population.