Background: Auditory hallucinations experienced in psychotic illness contribute significantly to distress and disability. Despite high doses of medication many patients with schizophrenia in inpatient psychiatric units still experience painful auditory hallucinations. Therefore, there are many coping strategies that be used to challenge these voices and regain some control. The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of psycho educational program about coping strategies for reducing auditory hallucinations among schizophrenic patients. Design: A quasi experimental design was used to achieve the aim of this study. Setting: Psychiatric Mental Health Hospital at Benha City, Qaliubiya Governorate which is affiliated to the General Secretariat of Mental Health. Subject: A convenience sample of 50 patients who were hospitalized at above mentioned setting. Tools: Three tools were used for data collection: (1) Socio-demographic and Clinical data sheet, (2) Auditory Hallucination Rating Scale and (3) A structured interview schedule of self-management of auditory hallucinations. Results: There was a highly statistically significant improvement in total score of auditory hallucinations and total score of coping strategies between pre and post implementation of the program. Conclusion: The psycho educational program was effective for schizophrenic patients which demonstrated decrease in the severity of auditory hallucinations of studied patients post implementation of the program. Recommendations: Apply training programs for patients who suffer from auditory hallucinations and teach them how to use cognitive, behavioral and physiological coping strategies to deal with the hallucinations. |
