Browsing by Author "Protas,Joyce ."

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    Experiences of an unconditional cash transfer intervention among young adults with first-episode psychosis in South Africa: qualitative inquiry of patients and their caregivers
    (International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being, 2025-11-25) Protas,Joyce .
    Introduction Strengthening social protection through cash transfers has proven effective in reducing common mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. However, the acceptability of unconditional cash transfer (UCT) interventions, also known as Basic Income Support (BIS) in certain regions, for socially vulnerable young adults who have experienced first-episode psychosis (FEP) in sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa, remains unknown. This qualitative inquiry explored the experience and acceptability of an unconditional cash transfer (UCT) intervention among patients with FEP and their caregivers. Methods The study was conducted at government hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. In this descriptive phenomenological qualitative study, we aimed to interview 15 recipients of a UCT intervention with their caregivers based on convenience sampling. An interview guide was designed to explore recipients’ experiences with money utilization and budget decisions, as well as their views on preferred recipients, the effects of UCT, and their recommendations on how much money is needed to cater to their needs. Information saturation was achieved after interviewing ten FEP recipients and their caregivers. NVIVO 14 was used to analyze the data using interpretive phenomenology. Results The UCT intervention was well accepted, with funds used for transportation to the hospital and purchasing groceries and food. Indirectly, UCT enhances family relationships and medication adherence and reduces patient and caregiver stress. Conclusion The UCT intervention was acceptable and positively experienced by patients with FEP. This study highlights the need to enhance social protection mechanisms to support engagement in mental health treatment for FEP.