Abstract

Background and objectives: Community Re-Entry Program is one of the programs related to social and independent living skills that provides patients with chronic mental disorders with some information and skills. The present study aimed to assess the effect of Community Re-Entry Program on social function of patients with chronic mental disorders. Methods: In this study, 40 patients with chronic mental disorders referring to outpatient rehabilitation centers of Hamadan, Iran were randomly divided into an intervention (N=20) and a control (N=20) group. The intervention group received community rehabilitation program in 16 60-90-minute educational sessions held twice a week for two months. The control group, on the other hand, took part in the center's routine occupational therapy. Both groups were evaluated using Assessment of Communication and Interaction Skills (ACIS) questionnaire before and after the intervention. Results: The results showed a significant change in physicality (P<0.02), information exchange (P<0.02), and total score of ACIS questionnaire (P<0.01) in the intervention group compared to the control group after the intervention. However, no significant difference was found between the two groups concerning relations (P<0.09). Conclusion: The results showed that Community Re-Entry Program played an important role in improving social function among patients with chronic mental disorders. Yet, future studies are required to assess the long-term clinical effects of this program.