Caregivers of Patients with Schizophrenia: How much They Know and Learn after a Psychoeducational Intervention?

The effect of the virtual social network-based psycho-education on the hope of family caregivers of clients with severe mental disorders

Psycho-education may have a positive effect on family caregivers of clients with mental disorders, and promote positive psychological states such as hope. The present study aims to investigate the effect of virtual social network-based psycho-education on the hope of family caregivers of clients with severe mental disorders. This study is a quasi-experimental research with a control and experimental groups. The participants of the study were 72 family caregivers of clients with severe mental disorders (36 in each group). Data were collected using demographic questionnaire and Adult Hope Scale before the study, immediately after the end of the training (first post-test), and 4 weeks afterwards (second post-test). The experimental group received psycho-education through Telegram App for four weeks. The results of the demographic questionnaire showed that both groups were homogeneous. The results of the Adult Hope Scale indicated that the mean score of both control and experimental groups were statistically significant and increased in the experimental group (P < 0.001). In addition, the changes of hope score in the experimental group were statistically significant in the first post-test than the pre-test, and in the second post-test than the first post-test and pre-test (P < 0.001). The findings of this study suggested that virtual social network-based psycho-education promotes the hopes of the family caregivers of clients with severe mental disorders. Due to the low cost and fast access of people to virtual networks, the content of this educational program can be widely used for family caregivers.

Predictors of Expressed Emotion in First Episode Psychosis

This article evaluated the predictors of EE and its components, EOI and CC, in relatives of first episode psychosis patients (FEP) in Brazil. Cross-sectional observational study conducted with 82 dyads of FEP patients and their relatives. Data collection instruments: sociodemographic and clinical data questionnaire, Family Questionnaire, Zarit Burden Interview and Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Logistic and linear regression models were used. Our results indicate that patient's age, relative's sex, daily time spent together, and family burden were predictors of EE and its components. Our findings may be helpful in planning nursing interventions to reduce EE and prevent psychotic relapses.

Objective and subjective burden in relatives of patients with schizophrenia and its influence on care relationships in Chile

This study examined the burden on family members of patients with schizophrenia in a Chilean community. Sixty-five caregivers underwent the Subjective and Objective Family Burden Interview. The results showed moderate to high levels of subjective burden and low levels of support from others in providing care. Burden and containment of disturbed behaviour were correlated with worse relationships between patients and caregivers, with the latter spending less time working outside the home. The assessed sample showed a similar pattern of burden to that of caregivers from developed countries; however, the extent of the burden tended to be higher in Chilean caregivers.