TO ASSESS MYTHS AMONG THE ATTENDANTS FAMILY MEMBERS OF THE PATIENT WITH PSYCHIATRIC AILMENT

Objective:To assess myths among the attendants family members of the patient with a psychiatric ailment. Methods:A qualitative exploratory study was conducted at a tertiary level public sector hospital in Faisalabad, from July 2022 to September 2022 after getting approval from the ethical review board of Faisalabad medical university. 21 interviews were recorded from attendants of patients with psychiatric ailments after taking consent. Verbatim thematic analysis was done manually Results:Initial analysis revealed 42 codes which were ultimately reduced to 6 main themes namely: Personal Factors including sub-themes (1a) Habits (1b) Affairs (1c) Separation from beloved ones. Spiritual Factors with sub-themes (2a) Bad Eye (2b) Punishment by Allah (God) (2c) Black magic (2d)Possessed by jin(2e) Breachment of sacred vows (2f) Amulet Medical-related factors having sub-themes (3a) Poisonous things (3b) Non-Poisonous things Violence and bullying Treatment Preferences Social factors Conclusion:A lot of misconceptions are present among caregivers of patients with psychiatric ailments. Due to these beliefs, they donot seek proper treatment and prefer quacks and clergymen over physician. Health policymakers need to create awareness among the general population regarding psychiatric problems using multiple platforms.