Schedule of factors influencing access to psychiatric treatment in persons with schizophrenia: validity and pilot testing.

Background: A substantial proportion of patients with severe mental disorders remain untreated in India. Qualitative research has highlighted the complex interplay of multiple factors that preclude schizophrenia patients in rural Indian settings from accessing treatment.

Aims: (a) To establish the face and content validities of an interview schedule titled "Schedule of Factors Influencing Access (SOFIAc) to Psychiatric Treatment in Persons with Schizophrenia", which comprehensively assesses the factors that prevent schizophrenia patients from accessing psychiatric treatment.