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Family Roles in Relapse Prevention Among Relatives of Patients Living with Schizophrenia in Neuropsychiatric Hospitals, South-West Nigeria
Authors
1,3*Ezekiel Olusola OMITOGUN (PhD Nursing, RPHN, RNE, RMHN, RN, FWAPCNM),
1,2Kayode Oyebimpe OLAOYE (Msc Nursing, RPHN, RNE, RMHN, RN, FWAPCNM),
1,2Taiwo Christianah OMIRIN (PhD Nursing, RNE, RM, RN, FWAPCNM),
1,4 Oluyinka ADEJUMO (Professor of Nursing, DLitt et Phil, RPN, RNE, RN, FWAPCNM)
*Correspondence:
Ezekiel Olusola OMITOGUN (PhD Nursing, RPHN, RNE, RMHN RN, FWAPCNM)
omitogun.sola@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng; omitogun0090@pg.babcock.edu.ng
ONLINE ISSN: 2645-2936
PRINT ISSN: 0795 – 6541
Editor-in-chief
Prof. (Mrs.) Ijeoma O. Ehiemere
University of Nigeria
Editorial Secretary
Dr. Goodluck I. Nshi
Aspen University, Denver, CO, U.S.A.
Assistant Editorial Secretary
Prof. Emmanuel Ejembi Anyebe
University of Ilorin, Nigeria
Institutional Affiliation(s)
1. Dept of Mental Health, College of Post-Graduate Studies, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria.
2. School of Post-Basic Psychiatric Nursing, Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
3. Dept. of Nursing Science, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University Sagamu Campus, Ogun, State Nigeria
4. School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Remera Campus. Kigali. Rwanda
Citation
Omitogun, E.O., Olaoye, K.O., Omirin, T.C., & Adejumo, O. (2025). Family roles in relapse prevention among relatives of patients living with schizophrenia in neuropsychiatric hospitals, South-West Nigeria. The Nursing Scope, 8(3), 56-66. ISSN: 2645-2936 (Online); 0795 – 6541 (Print). https://doi.org/10.59073/thenursingscope83/56-66
Keywords
Abstract
Background: Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness with high relapse rates, which places considerable burden on families. Family involvement is crucial in relapse prevention through support, supervision, and early recognition of symptoms.
Aim: The study examined factors contributing to relapse and identified family roles in relapse prevention among relatives of patients with schizophrenia in neuropsychiatric hospitals in South-West Nigeria.
Method: A descriptive survey design was used. A total of 117 relatives were recruited from two federal neuropsychiatric hospitals using a validated questionnaire (reliability coefficient 0.75–0.97). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Findings: Key relapse factors were hostility from relatives (M = 3.44, SD = 0.67) and exposure to stress (M = 3.37, SD = 0.66). Families played significant roles in relapse prevention by fostering supportive lifestyles (M = 3.47, SD = 0.66), engaging patients in treatment plans (M = 3.46, SD = 0.57), and identifying early relapse signs (M = 3.35, SD = 0.67).
Conclusion: Relapse among patients with schizophrenia is strongly linked to family hostility and environmental stress. Effective family participation reduces relapse risk and improves patient outcomes.
Recommendation: Families should provide supportive environments, supervise medication use, and monitor for early relapse signs. Reducing stigma and offering government-subsidized care would further lessen the burden on families.