Ombay, Vincent P2024-03-272024-03-272023Ombay, Vincent P. (2023) Prevalence and factors associated with relapse among patients treated for schizophrenia Spectrum at Mirembe national mental hospital Dodoma: a mixed- method study (Master’s Dissertation). The University of Dodoma, Dodomahttps://repository.udom.ac.tz/handle/20.500.12661/4419Dissertation (MSc mental health nursing)Background: Schizophrenia spectrum disorder is a chronic neuropsychiatric disorder that is associated with major distressing effects on the lives of patients, families, and societies. Relapse on the schizophrenia spectrum causes morbidity and burden of health costs in Tanzania compared to other mental disorders. There is a paucity of evidence on the prevalence and factors associated with relapse in the context of Tanzania. Thus, the study was conducted to determine the prevalence and factors associated with relapse at Mirembe National Mental Hospital. Methods: A concurrent mixed-method design was used. The study was conducted at MNMH. The population involved were 15 family caregivers and 20 stabilized patients who provided the qualitative data through interviews, and quantitative data was collected using a checklist from 222 patients’ files. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis, whereas quantitative data were analysed using descriptive analysis and logistic regression models. Results: The study findings showed that the prevalence of relapse was 68.5%. A thematic analysis of interview data on both family caregivers’ perspectives and patients' experiences revealed that the factors for relapse were poor drug adherence, stressful life events, substance abuse, stigma, and discrimination against mentally ill patients. On the quantitative method, social disadvantage and poverty (AOR: 2.219, 95% CI: 1.054–4.672, p = 0.036) and patient adherence to drugs (AOR: 0.129, 95% CI: 0.018–0.929, p = 0.042) were independent factors associated with relapse. Conclusion: This study calls for the creation of awareness about mental health and mental illness management, especially schizophrenia, among caregivers and patients for better recovery. Thus, psychosocial education is required for both patients and their caregivers to reduce the high rate of relapse among patients with schizophrenia.enPrevalenceRelapsePsychosis and Schizophrenia spectrumThesis