Factors Affecting the Preservation of Human Dignity of Patients with Psychiatric Disorders During Hospitalization

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the factors affecting the sense of dignity of patients with mental health disorders during hospitalization. Methods: We employed a cross-sectional research design. The study population comprised adult patients who have been admitted to mental health wards of Iran psychiatry hospitals. A convenient sampling method was applied. Data was collected using a questionnaire developed by the research team, which assessed the patient’s sense of dignity. To analyze the data, we employed Independent-sample t, Pearson's correlation, ANOVA, and linear regression. Results: A total of 253 patients with mental health disorders participated in the study. There was a significant correlation between age and a sense of dignity (r=0.266, p < 0.001). Patients with an education level above a diploma had a lower sense of dignity than those with a diploma or lower (mean score 3.01 vs. 3.15, p < 0.023). Lastly, patients who were aware of their diagnosis reported a lower sense of dignity than those who were not aware (mean score 3.06 vs. 3.17, p < 0.001). Linear regression showed a predictive relationship between age, knowledge about diagnosis, and education with the sense of dignity. Conclusion: This study sheds light on the factors that negatively affect the sense of dignity of patients with mental health disorders during hospitalization, including age, education level, and knowledge of diagnosis. The findings suggest that healthcare providers and policymakers should focus on interventions that address these factors to improve the sense of dignity among patients with mental health disorders.