Background: Re-hospitalization is considered a big problem, a source of frustration and
suffering for both patients and their families because this phenomenon also negatively affects
health care system due to the increasing cost of care. Aim of the study: This study aimed to
assess factors affecting re-hospitalization of patients with schizophrenia at Benha Mental Health
Hospital. Design: A descriptive design was utilized to achieve the aim of the study. Setting: The
study was conducted at Benha Mental Health Hospital which is affiliated to General Secretariat.
Sample: a convenience sample of 60 patients with schizophrenia (46 male, 14 female patients)
who were hospitalized at the above mentioned setting. Tools: A structured interviewing
questionnaire schedule consisting of two parts: to assess socio-demographic characteristics,
clinical data of patients with schizophrenia, and their knowledge about factors affecting re
hospitalization. Results: Findings demonstrated that more than three quarters of the studied
patients with schizophrenia had poor knowledge about factors affecting re-hospitalization.
Conclusion: There are many factors affecting re-hospitalization of studied patients with
schizophrenia such as non compliance with medications, negligence of follow up after discharge,
poor relationship between patients and their families and poor relationship with the hospital staff.
The study recommended that discharged patients with schizophrenia should be followed up on
an ongoing basis throughout- patients' appointments, home visits or telephone calls to reduce
patients' re-admission to hospital.