Marital concerns of long-term hospitalised patients with diagnosed schizophrenia: A descriptive phenomenological study.

ABSTRACT

Marital concerns can trigger emotional stress, especially among long-term hospitalised individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, significantly affecting their treatment and recovery. Unfortunately, rehabilitation programs tend to overlook the marital needs of individuals with diagnosed schizophrenia. This research aimed to investigate the content related to marital concerns of Chinese individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia who were undergoing extended hospitalisation. Fifteen participants diagnosed with schizophrenia were recruited through purposive sampling for face-to-face semi-structured interviews. The gathered data were analysed using Colaizzi's method, revealing three themes (1) manifestations of marriage-related concerns, (2) effects of marriage on disease progression, and (3) the need for support from family and the hospital. This study offers new insights into marital concerns among long-term schizophrenia inpatients and underscores the significance of screening and intervention for such concerns. Healthcare professionals and family members should extend support to patients to foster confidence within their marital relationships.