Social and Vocational Skill Development as a Tool to Enhance Quality of Life in Schizophrenic Patients: Evidence from Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder significantly impacting patients' quality of life and
social functioning. Social and vocational skills development programs have emerged as promising
interventions to improve psychosocial outcomes in Indian settings. This study aimed to evaluate
the effectiveness of social and vocational skill development programs in enhancing quality of life
among schizophrenic patients in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, and assess the correlation between
skill development interventions and functional outcomes. A quasi-experimental design was
employed with 200 participants diagnosed with schizophrenia, divided into experimental (n=100)
receiving social and vocational skills training and control groups (n=100). Data were collected
using standardized quality of life scales, social functioning assessments, and vocational
competency measures over 12 months. Social and vocational skill development programs
significantly improve quality of life, social functioning, and employment outcomes in
schizophrenic patients. Participants receiving interventions showed significant improvements in
quality of life scores (p<0.001), social functioning (p<0.01), and vocational competency (p<0.01)
compared to controls. Findings support the efficacy of structured rehabilitation programs in
improving psychosocial outcomes in Indian cultural context. Social and vocational skill
development programs are effective tools for enhancing quality of life in schizophrenic patients,
warranting their integration into comprehensive treatment protocols in Maharashtra's healthcare
system.