Facilitators and Barriers to Social Function Recovery in Individuals with Schizophrenia: A Qualitative Study

Indriati Indriati; Agus Suwandono; Budi Anna Keliat; Anies Anies

doi:10.25159/2520-5293/19136

Authors

Indriati Indriati Diponegoro University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2226-8548
Agus Suwandono Diponegoro University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6801-4527
Budi Anna Keliat Indonesia University
Anies Diponegoro University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2520-5293/19136

Keywords:

barriers, cultural figure, facilitators, Indonesia, schizophrenia, social function recovery

Abstract

More than 80% of individuals with schizophrenia (IWS) experience a persistent decline in social functioning, creating lifelong burdens for families and society. Despite this, recovery efforts remain suboptimal. This study explored the facilitators and barriers influencing the social function recovery of post-hospitalisation IWS who have reintegrated into society. Conducted at community health centres (CHCs) in the city of Semarang, Indonesia, the research used a qualitative research design involving in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 64 participants, including 16 IWS, 16 family caregivers, 12 health cadres, 12 cultural figures, and eight healthcare professionals. The research process adhered to established ethical principles and incorporated measures to ensure the trustworthiness of the findings. The main facilitators of social function recovery identified include: 1) National Health Insurance (NHI); 2) family support; 3) support from cultural figures; and 4) Javanese ancestral values. Barriers include: 1) misconceptions about schizophrenia and its causes; 2) traditional care practices that are contrary to health; 3) three types of stigma: social stigma, IWS stigma, and family stigma; 4) suboptimal management of caregiving burdens within families; 5) lack of social support from neighbours; and 6) disorganised management of rehabilitative services for IWS at CHCs. The findings highlight an urgent need for an integrated system to support social function recovery, involving IWS, their families, nurses, health cadres, and cultural figures. Such a system should adopt a sociocultural, community-based approach combining public education for the wider community, psychoeducation for IWS and their families, and vocational and social skills training for IWS to promote sustainable recovery and social reintegration.

Author Biographies

Agus Suwandono, Diponegoro University

Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Diponegoro

Budi Anna Keliat, Indonesia University

Nursing Department, Indonesia University

Anies, Diponegoro University

Medical Department, Diponegoro University

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