Abstract
Aim/Background
Previous studies have reported poor social support, especially among family members of patients with schizophrenia. However, the comparative nature of this family support has not been well investigated with reference to healthy controls in the study setting. This study aimed to compare family support and its associated sociodemographic factors between patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls.
Methods
It was a case-control study of 150 schizophrenia patients and 150 healthy controls. Perceived Family Support Scale was used to assess participants’ perception of family support and a Pro-forma questionnaire comprising sociodemographic items and objective indicators of support was also administered. The p-value was set at <0.05.
Results
Among the participants, the proportions of patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls who had good perceived family support were 74.7% and 65.3% respectively. There was no significant difference in the perceived family support between patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls. Lack of employment was inversely related to good perceived family support (p=0.017, Exp(B)= 0.454) and was therefore a significant predictor of poor perceived family support among patients with schizophrenia. The Hausa tribe was also found to be a significant predictor of good perceived family support among these patients.
Conclusion
The study has shown that the perceived family support among schizophrenia patients did not differ significantly from healthy controls in the study setting. This may reflect a positive sociocultural environment and cohesive family structure that supports patients with schizophrenia in the study setting. However, these families need to be empowered to offer the support needed by their mentally ill relatives with schizophrenia.
Keywords: Family, Support, Schizophrenia

Key words: Family, Perceived, Schizophrenia, Support,