Level of community participation among person with mental illness following rehabilitation : a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Mental illness adversely affect individuals because it severely limits their ability to function and engage in daily life. Care for those who suffer from mental illness can have a positive impact on people's lives. Aim: the aim of the study is to investigate the level of participation at community among person with mental illness after getting treatment from Mental Health Day Centre. Method: This study was employed through a cross-sectional approach to achieve study aim and objectives. Purposive sampling was used to collect data from 72 participants of different diagnosis of mental illness who had completed rehabilitation service by a structural questionnaire with face to face interview. World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 was used to conduct this study and data was analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Science. Result: After analyzing data, it was found that most of the participants have mild (n= 28) to moderate (n=23) level of impairment and so they face problem in overall community participation. Out of 72 participants, rate of mobility level was very high (84.7%), then the rate of Self-care level (83.1%). 66.7% had cognitive stability. Among them participation in life activities and social functioning rate was comparatively low (47.2%). The rate of getting along level was very low (45.8%) at community setting. Majority of the participants (68.1%) were diagnosed with schizophrenia whereas 18 participants have mild impairment and 18 participants have moderate impairment. Conclusion: After rehabilitation, the vast majority of participants have no difficulty in mobility or self-care activities. They face difficulties in life activities. Rehabilitation service should be more community-based in order to increase life satisfaction, decrease xiii dependence on others and increase employment as much as possible. Occupational Therapist have an important role to promote a better social and psychological for quality of life of person with mental illness following rehabilitation. Key words: Community participation, Mental illness, Rehabilitation