Factors affecting family members' support of State patients: A case study of the Hayani Hospital, in Vhembe District, of Limpopo Province

Abstract

Background- Family support is the most important milieu for the treatment and rehabilitation for mental health care users. However, there are cases that are reported where mental health care users are rejected by their family members worldwide. Vhembe District is no exception. Purpose-The study determined factors affecting family members’ support of their state patients in Hayani hospital, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. Methodology- The study adopted a qualitative design which was explorative, descriptive and contextual in nature. Non-probability purposive sampling method was used to sample 09 family members with state patients at Hayani Hospital from the entire population. Data was collected through in-depth individual interviews and analysed through Techs method of coding. Ethical considerations and measures to ensure trustworthiness were followed throughout the study. Results- Data revealed two themes from namely, psychological factors and sociological factors affecting family members’ support. Recommendations- This study recommends on developing a model of support for family members’ with state patients at Hayani hospital. This study also recommends that department of health should consider meetings with family members.