Abstract:
Facilities available for Patients with I Schizophrenia in Polonnaruwa district is limited. A
large number of patients receive their treatment from rural outpatient clinics. There have not
been previous assessments of the management issues and outcome of such patients. The
study focuses this gap in evidence. A consecutive sample of patients with Schizophrenia
who attend rural outpatient clinics in Polonnaruwa district was interviewed. Focus group
discussions were conducted with 2 groups of care takers who were parents and spouses.
Treatment defaults were common (nearly 70 percent ) and when it happens it was mostly
(67 percent) a complete default. Most common reasons for defaults were misconceptions (
46 percent) and side effects were causing defaults among 20 percent. Recommendations are
made to strengthen the field follow up care, patient and caregiver education. Use of
psycho-social approaches of management in addition to Pharmacotherapy is deemed
necessary. Patients' clinic access problems should be alleviated and un interrupted drug
supplies should be ensured. Community based. studies recommended to have a wider
insight in the wellbeing of schizophrenic parents living in the community.
