Experiences of family members of persons living with mental illness in Capricorn District, Limpopo Province; South Africa

Abstract

Background- care of the mentally ill by family members is done with little or no supervision by skilled health workers. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to investigate the experiences of family members of patients living with mental illness in the Capricorn District of Limpopo Province in South Africa.

Objective- to explore and describe the experiences of family members caring for patients living with mental illness.

Methods- A qualitative, descriptive and exploratory design was used. Non-probability sampling of the purposive and convenient type was used to explore and describe the experiences of family members of patients living with mental illness in the Capricorn District. Data were collected from fifteen family members caring for MHCUs, by using open-ended semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Data were audio recorded and observations were done during interviews. Trustworthiness was ensured by applying credibility, transferability, confirmability and dependability. Data were analysed using Tech’s open-coding method.

Results- family members experience disruptive behaviour from MHCUs and they also have to adapt to new routines that are at times unfavourable. As a result, the family members’ health and quality of life are affected, thus making them susceptible to having mental illness and other medical conditions as well.

Conclusion- There is a need for family members caring for persons living with mental illness to be given emotional and social support. community projects such as support groups for family members caring for MHCUs and goal directed standard operations procedures at the Psychiatric Ward – specifically designed and implemented for family members caring for MHCUs, are recommended.