An Investigation on psychosocial challenges faced by Caregivers of people with mental illness in Zimbabwe. A Case of Tirivanhu Psychiatric Rehabilitation Centre · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Madondo, Valerie T.

Title

An Investigation on psychosocial challenges faced by Caregivers of people with mental illness in Zimbabwe. A Case of Tirivanhu Psychiatric Rehabilitation Centre

Abstract

In the introduction the researcher expressed that Caring for a family member with mental health problems places an enormous burden on family caregivers. A brief background of the study was given explaining the phenomena around the study. In the problem statement the researcher expressed that there are many causes of the caregiver challenges. The researcher was aimed to identify the psycho-social experiences encountered by caregivers of people with mental illness, to assess the roles played by caregivers of people with mental illness in Zimbabwe and to explore the copying strategies that caregivers of people with mental illness use to copy up with the psycho-social challenges they face. A literature review was explored in connection with the research objectives. The researcher adopted the qualitative research methodology. This study used a case study as a research design to answer the questions about the challenges faced by caregivers of people with mental illness and the roles of the caregivers as well as the copying strategies. The study was carried in Ruwa Community. A minimum of ten caregivers of people with mental health problems were recruited as target population using purposive sampling method. Focus group discussions guide and in-depth interview guide were used as data collection tools. This research utilized Thematic data analysis method. All research ethics were followed. Some of the challenges faced by CPWMC are stigma and discrimination, lack of emotional support, lack of social support, disruptive behavior of patients and lack of psychoeducation. The roles of CPWMC include medication management, education and advocacy, providing emotional support and providing social support. Copying strategies of CPWMC include joining support groups, acceptance and resiliency, having selfcare and quality time and religious interventions.

Date

June 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Psychiatric

Caregivers

Mental Illness

Psychosocial Challenges

Supervisor

Mr. Sadomba,