Perceptions of schizophrenia and coping styles in caregivers: comparison between India and Switzerland
Authors: Rexhaj S. , Jose A. E. , Golay P. , Favrod J. 
Published: November 2016

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

Negative perceptions of illnesses can increase caregivers’ use of ineffective coping strategies, which may increase their burdens and distress. Scientific and theoretical framework showed that culture and health organization system influence perception of illnesses and thus also has an impact on the coping strategies used. There is a lack of data on comparative perceptions of illnesses and coping styles between India and Switzerland and that is why this hypothesis needs to be confirmed. The comparison between two countries with large cultural and socioeconomics differences will provide a more significant impact.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

This cultural comparative study explores the associations between representations of illness and three forms of coping styles (i.e. problem‐focused, emotion‐focused and social support‐focused coping) among caregivers of people diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders in Mangalore, India, and in French‐speaking Switzerland. Results showed significant differences between Swiss and Indian caregivers practically in all illness’ perceptions and coping styles, which is in accord with the theoretical framework. However, two results showed also similarities: the perception that schizophrenia can have cyclical episodes and that it can have negative consequences for caregivers.

These differences and similarities allow to confirm the hypothesis that culture and health organization system influence illness’ perception which impact the used coping styles. However, to develop specific nursing interventions for each culture, more research is needed to specify qualitatively the content of these differences and similarities.

What are the implications for practice?

Knowledge of how culture influences perceptions and coping styles is essential to develop quality interventions. Nurses should evaluate caregivers’ perceptions and the causes they attribute to illnesses to help them maintain or develop efficient coping strategies. Knowledge of specific cultural differences and similarities can help nurses to provide individualized care that takes into account personal values to ensure recovery processes.

Introduction

Scientific and theoretical framework showed that culture and health organization system influence perception of illnesses and thus also has an impact on the coping strategies used.

Aim/question

This cultural comparative study explores illness’ perception and coping styles among the caregivers of people diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders in Mangalore, India, and Lausanne, Switzerland.

Method

The answers of 92 Swiss caregivers, using paper or electronic surveys depending on the participants’ preference, and 100 Indian caregivers via an interview with a nurse were examined.

Results

The results confirm the hypothesis that culture and health organization system influence illness’ perception which impact the used coping styles. Significant differences between Swiss and Indian caregivers practically in all illness’ perceptions and coping styles were present, which is in accord with the theoretical framework. However, two results showed also similarities: the perception that schizophrenia can have cyclical episodes and that it can have negative consequences for caregivers.

Discussion

These differences will affect the development of interventions for caregivers in both countries.

Implications for Practice

The cultural differences observed in this study not only will allow interventions to be adapted to the specific needs of the two populations but also to identify their shared needs.