Self-perceived social integration and the use of day centers of persons with severe and persistent schizophrenia living in the community: a qualitative analysis

Abstract

Background The study examined how persons with severe and persistent schizophrenia perceive their social integration and how particular types of social integration are related to the use of day centers and patient clubs. Methods Problem-focused interviews on self-perceived social integration and the use of day structuring services were done with 100 persons with an ICD–9 diagnosis of schizophrenia living in Leipzig. Transcribed interviews were subjected to computer-aided qualitative content analysis. Results Results of the qualitative content analysis show that the study participants can be classified in five different groups according to their self-perceived degree of social integration. The use and the subjective meaning of existing day structuring services was found to be associated with the type of self-perceived social integration. Conclusion The heterogeneous ways persons with chronic schizophrenia organize their social lives lead to different kinds of needs for support. In order to meet the needs of the whole spectrum of patients this heterogeneity must be taken into account in the process of service planning.