Testing the effectiveness of existing psycho-educational material (The Alliance Programme) for patients suffering from schizophrenia in the South African context

Abstract

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.