How do family members perceive re-integration of male state patients into their families in South Africa? A qualitative analysis

BACKGROUND: State patients are admitted to a psychiatric hospital after being declared as such by the magistrate courts as a result of not found fit to stand trial for the offence they had committed. After successful rehabilitation of state patients at the psychiatric hospital, they need to be re-integrated into their families. Family members’ perceptions regarding re-integration of male state patients are not largely explored in the scientific body of knowledge. AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the perceptions of family members regarding reintegration of male state patients into their families. SETTING: This study was conducted in Vhembe District of Limpopo province, South Africa. METHOD: A qualitative approach using explorative, descriptive and contextual designs was adopted. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 family members who were purposefully sampled, and data were thematically analysed using Tech Open Coding method. RESULTS: Three themes emerged, namely, family members understand re-integration; family members’ expectations from a mental healthcare user; and threat to re-integration as perceived by family members. CONCLUSION: Data revealed that family members have varied perceptions regarding re-integration. These perceptions were based on the behaviour displayed or an offence committed by the mental healthcare user before admission and how participants experienced it. The study recommends that an investigation is to be conducted on the kind of support family members need regarding re-integration of state patients into their families.