Functional Disability and Loneliness Among Clinically Stable Individuals with Schizophrenia: A Cross-sectional Study.

Abstract

Background: Functional disability and loneliness frequently persist among clinically stable individuals with schizophrenia, thereby impeding recovery and restricting social participation.

Purpose: This study assessed functional disability and loneliness in clinically stable individuals with schizophrenia and to examine their associations with socio-demographic variables and employment status.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 50 clinically stable individuals with schizophrenia, aged 18 to 60 years. Data were collected using socio-demographic schedule, the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0), and the UCLA Loneliness Scale.

Results: The mean loneliness and WHODAS scores were 43.16 ± 11.96 and 74.28 ± 14.65, respectively. No significant differences were observed by gender or domicile. Participants from joint families showed higher disability in self-care (p = .005), household activities (p = .041), and participation (p = .007). Duration of unemployment was positively correlated with disability (r = 0.311-0.517, p < .05), whereas employment duration was negatively correlated with disability in interpersonal, work, and participation domains.

Conclusion: Unemployment and joint family dynamics are associated with increased disability, underscoring the importance of vocational rehabilitation and family-focused psychosocial interventions.