Rehabilitation needs of patients with schizophrenia attending the general hospital psychiatric unit of a tertiary care hospital in South India

CONTEXT: Schizophrenia is a major psychiatric illness that is stressful for both patients and their families. Along with clinical improvement with medications, psychosocial rehabilitation is an essential part of treatment to improve functioning and quality of life. AIMS: This study aims to assess the rehabilitation needs of patients with schizophrenia and to identify the association of these needs with demographic and clinical variables. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used. The study was conducted in a general hospital psychiatric unit (GHPU) of a tertiary care teaching hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The sample included 770 subjects (385 patients and 385 caregivers). A standardized self-administered questionnaire, the Rehabilitation Needs Assessment Schedule was used to assess the patients' rehabilitation needs. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Categorical variables were expressed as frequencies and percentages. Continuous variables were expressed in terms of mean with standard deviation or median with an interquartile range. The association between different rehabilitation needs was analyzed using the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: The most common requirement was skill training rehabilitation needs (93.8%), followed by psychosocial modification rehabilitation needs (88%) and help for family members (87%). There were significant associations (P < 0.05) between age at onset of illness with employment, current living status with overall needs, and help needed by the family. CONCLUSION: The study found that 76.9% of the patients required help in at least one rehabilitation domain. The findings of the study have implications in planning and implementing rehabilitation programs.