Illness perception and healthcare-seeking behaviour among people with schizophrenia and their caregivers: A qualitative study

Objective: This study explored the perception of illness and health care-seeking behaviour from the perspective of people with schizophrenia and their caregivers in the Indonesian cultural context. Methods: A qualitative study was employed, using in-depth interviews, in the southern areas of Kalimantan, Indonesia. The qualitative data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Results: Participants perceived schizophrenia as a result of diverse factors, including drug abuse, depression, stress, spiritual possession, black magic, and neurological disorders. These perceptions were influenced by participants� beliefs, religions, social norms, local culture, and information provided by clinicians. The patterns of healthcare-seeking behavior were similar in the first psychosis episode and during relapse. The severity of symptoms, whether classified as mild or severe, affected their healthcare-seeking behaviour. When symptoms were considered mild, they chose self-medication or alternative treatments. However, if symptoms were severe or life-threatening, patients were directed to seek assistance from healthcare centers. During relapses, the recurrent patterns of health care-seeking behaviour persisted, with the caregivers� capacity to recognize symptoms significantly influencing this continuity. Conclusion: participants� unfamiliarity with the term �schizophrenia� is indicative of a knowledge gap. Moreover, to manage the symptoms and provide quality care, an intervention is necessary to improve the patient and caregiver�s knowledge of schizophrenia. © the Authors.