Relationship between the stigma and the family performance of psychiatric patients

The most common and challenging burden of care in family members of the mentally ill is the problem of disease-induced stigma. Stigma refers to a set of negative attitudes, beliefs, and thoughts about a particular situation that includes the family in addition to the individual. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the relationship between the stigma and the family carers' function in the mental health system.

In this descriptive-correlational study, 278 caregivers of psychiatric patients referred to Farshchian (Sina) Educational Center of Hamadan in 1977 were selected using convenience sampling method. Data were collected using three questionnaires: demographic, stigma assessment, family functioning assessment tool. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS software.

The mean and standard deviation of stigma and general family functioning were 72.9 ± 14.12 and 2.20 ± 0.26, respectively. There was a significant relationship (p <0.05) between stigma and general functioning as well as the domains of affective fusion, emotional responsiveness, and behavioral control from the Family Functioning Questionnaire (P <0.05).

Given the relationship between stigma and family functioning of psychiatric patients, community education at different levels on appropriate treatment of these patients and their families through the media, health centers, and universities is recommended.