Proceedings of the 20th International Academic Conference, Madrid

PSYCHIATRIC NURSES’ OPINIONS AND SUGGESTIONS ABOUT STIGMATIZATION OF SCHIZOPHRENIA

BURCU CEYLAN, ARZU KOÇAK UYAROĞLU

Abstract:

INTRODUCTION Compared with other health professionals, a psychiatric nurse builds a greater degree of communication with individuals who have psychiatric disorders during the period of hospitalization. In this context, the main objective of this study is to illustrate the opinions and suggestions of psychiatric nurses about stigmatization of schizophrenia. Problem Statement 1- What do the psychiatric nurses think about stigmatization of schizophrenia? 2- What do the psychiatric nurses think about the prevention of stigmatization of schizophrenia? MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY In pursuit of the objective of this qualitative study, the author asked open-ended questions of 15 nurses who worked in a psychiatry clinic in a hospital in Turkey. A semi-structured form was used for these participants to put forward their suggestions and opinions about stigmatization for schizophrenia. FINDINGS An analysis of the data set revealed that a majority of the participants described schizophrenia as a disorder characterized by a change in the perception of reality, and all of them said that the diagnosis of schizophrenia played an important role in the period of stigmatization. Moreover, they added that the period of stigmatization initiated with the diagnosis of schizophrenia. Nearly all of the nurses who participated in this study agreed that training was important in the struggle against stigmatization of schizophrenia, and it was necessary for this training to address families, society, and health professionals. In addition, it was stressed that the media's power over attitudes in society should be used positively in this struggle, and that schizophrenia patients should be treated in an integrated manner with the society. Another noteworthy finding was that two participants thought that whatever is attempted, the struggle with stigmatization of schizophrenia is impossible; the most significant reason for that being the societally stereotyped negative thoughts and prejudices towards these patients. RESULTS AND SUGGESTIONS This study concluded that it is not a realistic expectation to completely eliminate the stigmatization of schizophrenia, and that it would take a very long time to change attitudes. It should be the main aim of work against stigmatization to change incorrect judgments. To this end, programs focused on developing consciousness in families, society, and health professionals are very important. 1. Instructors review the curricula of nursing programs, 2. Clinicians prepare plans for in-service training, and 3. Researchers conduct experimental studies and evaluate the results of these studies.

Keywords: Stigmatization, shizophrenia, psychiatric nursing

DOI: 10.20472/IAC.2015.020.021

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