Perceived biopsychosocial determinants of psychotic illness among caregivers impacts on the family of Kathmandu district in Nepal

Abstract

The aim of the study is to determine whether the biological, psychological, and social components contributing to psychotic illness and examine their effects on families across social, financial, emotional, and health dimensions. A Population Proportion Formula was used to determine the sample size, applying a theoretical approach to a sample of approximately 200 caregivers of psychotic patients in Kathmandu, Nepal. Quantitative data were gathered via questionnaires. Nonclinical data were used for analysis. Findings from the analysis of Objective 1 revealed that social determinants were most reported; however, biological and psychosocial factors were also prevalent. These determinants were both directly and indirectly linked to psychological or emotional factors, aligning with the biopsychosocial (BPS) model developed by George Libman Engel of the University of Rochester Medical Center, New York. The biopsychosocial (BPS) model was formulated in the mid-1970s, with significant discussion of the model occurring in a seminal article published in 1977 in the journal Science. For Objective 2, results showed that the emotional impact on families was the most prominent, followed by social, financial, and health impacts. The findings show that emotional effects have the greatest influence, followed by financial, social, and health effects. These results reinforce the need for further research into the factors associated with psychotic disorders and their effects on families.