Perceptions of hope among individuals suffering from schizophrenia in Karachi, Pakistan
Date of Award
2012
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Nursing (MScN)
Department
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Pakistan
Abstract
Background: Hope plays a major role in the recovery of patients from physical and mental illness. Due to the complexity of the concept, this area has not been fully explored globally. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of hope among individuals suffering from schizophrenia, and attending out-patient clinics in Karachi. Methodology: A qualitative approach, using the descriptive exploratory design, was selected in order to have an in-depth understanding of the concept of hope from the perspective of schizophrenic patients. Ten participants were recruited from two data collection sites, i.e. The Aga Khan University Hospital and the Pakistan Association for Mental Health. The participants were selected based on the inclusion criteria. Semi-structured interviews were carried out by asking open-ended questions. The interviews were audio-taped, transcribed word for word, and translated into English from Urdu. A content analysis approach was used to analyze the data obtained from the study participants. An individual phrase was used as a unit for coding. Results: The four main themes that emerged are: meanings of hope, hopes from life, sources of hope, and difficulties and disappointments. The findings of this study highlighted that a sense of wellbeing, the belief system, and the family and society play a major role in shaping the perceptions of hope among individuals suffering from schizophrenia. Implications: The study has major implications for nurses and health care professionals working in psychiatric settings, for the community, and for future research.
Recommended Citation
Khokhar, S. (2012). Perceptions of hope among individuals suffering from schizophrenia in Karachi, Pakistan (Unpublished doctoral thesis). Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.