Survey knowledge of caregivers of patients of schizophrenia about home care in ‎

Abstract

Introduction: More than ‎‏70%‏‎ of patients with schizophrenia are cared by family at home. ‎Knowledge deficit of caregivers is basically the basic and fundamental problem regarding the ‎signs and symptoms of disease. ‎ Objective: This study was to assess the knowledge level of schizophrenic patients' caregivers ‎referring to Shahid Beheshti hospital in Kerman city regarding home care. ‎ Method: This descriptive study was conducted on ‎‏196‏‎ caregivers of schizophrenic patients in ‎Shahid Beheshti hospital. The data collection tool consisted of a researcher made ‎questionnaire and information was obtained through face to face interview. The data were ‎analyzed using SPSS, t-test, ANOVA, and Spearman rank correlation. ‎ Results: The mean knowledge score of caregivers and standard deviation were‏10.66‏‎ and ‎SD=‎‏2.04‏‎ respectively. The maximum knowledge was observed in physical area (X=‎‏13.96‏‎, ‎SD=‎‏4.32‏‎) and the minimum knowledge was in psychological area (X=‎‏9.11‏‎, SD=‎‏1.62‏‎). ‎There was a significant association between knowledge and the level of education in patients ‎‎(p<‎‏0.01‏‎).‎ Conclusion: Our findings showed that caregivers had poor knowledge level. Programs for ‎promoting the knowledge of caregivers are necessary.‎

Keywords

• schizophrenia
• knowledge
• caregiver