# Experiences of an unconditional cash transfer intervention among young adults with first-episode psychosis in South Africa: qualitative inquiry of patients and their caregivers

## TL;DR

A study in South Africa found that giving cash to young adults with first-episode psychosis and their caregivers was accepted and helped with treatment and stress.

## Contribution

This study is the first to explore the acceptability of unconditional cash transfers for young adults with first-episode psychosis in sub-Saharan Africa.

## Key findings

- The UCT intervention was well accepted and used for transportation and groceries.
- It indirectly improved family relationships and medication adherence.
- It reduced stress for both patients and caregivers.

## Abstract

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.

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.

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.

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.