Effect of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy on the Quality of Life of People with Schizophrenia in South-West Nigeria

Abstract:

The quality of life (QoL) of patients with schizophrenia is impaired compared to the general population. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) on the quality of life of people with schizophrenia in selected Neuropsychiatric Hospitals in South-West Nigeria. A quasi-experimental research design was adopted in the study, 60 participants with schizophrenia were selected purposely, 30 participants to the intervention group and another 30 participants to the control group. Eight sessions of CBT were given to each participant in the intervention group. Data were collected with the use of the WHO Quality of life Bref questionnaire. Data collected were summarized using frequency, percentages, mean score, and standard deviation to answer research questions. The hypotheses were tested using the Mann-Whitney U Test and Wilcoxon Test at 0.05 level of significance. The outcome revealed that there was an overall post-intervention improvement in the Quality of life among the participants in the intervention group with a mean value of 3.63 ± 0.89, Z-value 3.72, p-value <0.001, unlike the control group with a mean value of 2.90 ± 0.85, Z-value= 1.77, p-value=0.08. CBT intervention with pharmacological management was effective in improving the quality of life in schizophrenic patients. CBT should be integrated into routine care given to schizophrenic clients in nursing interventions.