This study compares the knowledge and attitudes of 60 patients in a state hospital about medication, before and after structured and unstructured medication education. The purpose was to determine which type of education has more positive effects. A pre- and post-test two-group experimental design was used. The results of this study were not statistically significant in supporting the literature that education has some effect on knowledge or on attitude about taking medication. The study showed similar effects of the method (structured versus unstructured) on increasing knowledge and attitude toward medication. Demographic data from the study suggest a variety of other factors may relate to attitudes and knowledge about medication in the hospital. This study suggests medication education should address demographic factors, incorporate multi-dimensional approaches, include more active patient participation, and utilize one-to-one teaching whenever possible.

In this descriptive study the authors compare self‐reported sexual behaviors of a group of hospitalized psychiatric clients with a group of noninstitutionalized adults. An interview method was used to obtain information about interest in sex, frequency of intercourse, and sexual satisfaction. Control group members and clients reported about the same interest in sex, frequency of intercourse, and satisfaction in their younger years. In their current lives, however, clients reported slightly less sexual feeling and a much lower frequency of intercourse. Nearly half of the clients were not having intercourse, with the majority of those attributing the reason as hospitalization. Concerns about normalizing the institutional environment for sexual expression for chronically mentally ill persons are discussed.

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