Quality of life, social support, and pathways of care among persons with psychiatric disorders-A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Patients with psychiatric disorders have varied psychosocial realities embedded in the community context. Help-seeking behavior is extremely crucial in determining the prognosis and outcome of interventions.

Objectives: (1) To assess the levels of quality of life, perceived social support, and decision to first seek help. (2) To assess the association of socio-demographic variables with these domains.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey with 100 psychiatric patients in a tertiary care setting employed three scales, namely WHOQOL-BREF, PSSS, and WHO Pathways Encounter form.

Results: Patients had higher levels of quality of life and perceived social support. The majority of patients chose health professionals over faith healers at the onset of symptoms, had higher reliance on family members, and continued with hospital visits till the third follow-up. Sex, occupation, and marital status were associated with perceived social support, and duration of illness was associated with help-seeking behavior.

Conclusions: Community-based interventions must include holistic services and reduce the gap between onset and first contact, leading to higher quality of life and perceived social support.

Keywords: Pathways of care; mental health; perceived social support; psychiatric disorders; quality of life.