Analysis on perceived social support of patients with schizophrenia (Case of Gaziantep University Faculty of Medicine)

Schizophrenia, is a severe mental disorder that affects approximately 1% of the world population. Social support has a critical place in preventing the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. The aim of this study has been to analyse perceived social support of patients with schizophrenia. To be able to study this topic, a Sociodemographic Data Form, and a Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support has been used for the participants. This study included participants from the Gaziantep University Sahinbey Research and Application Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotic Disorders Unit. These participants had used the Psychotic Disorders Unit between the dates of 16.02.2016-12.04.2016 and had been diagnosed as schyzophrenic, filled the criteria to be included in the research, and gave their approval to be included in this study. A total of 60 participants were included in the study using a survey method. As a result of the study it was seen that there was not a significant difference between the perceived social support of patients with schizophrenia and; gender, likelihood of commiting suicide, educational status and marital status. However, a significant difference was seen between the perceived social support of patients with schizophrenia and; economical status and occupational status regarding the friend category and measure. Even though a very significant difference between these components and the perceived social support of patients was not detected throughout the study, this should not be perceived that there is not a relationship between perceived social support and these components. In the results where there was no statistical significance, still may be said that there is some affect of these components on the perceived social support. Key words: Perceived social support, Schizophrenia, Significant difference, Social support, Suicide