Effect of counseling on patterns of care and life burden on family caregivers of schizophrenic patients

Abstract

Suffering from schizophrenia is undoubtedly a devastating event. It has a profound impact on all aspects of the individual's life and those who care for them. Psychiatric nurses can provide interactions that promote the quality of caregiving as well as the caregiver's quality of life. Therefore, this study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of counseling on family caregivers of schizophrenic patients on their patterns of care and life burden. The sample consisted of 50 family members of schizophrenic patients, who are acting as a primary caregivers for more than one year. The study was conducted in schizophrenic counseling clinic in the Outpatient Clinic, Institute of Psychiatry Ain Shams University. Six tools were used to measure the current study concepts: demographic data sheet, knowledge assessment questionnaire, assessment sheet for the disturbance imposed on caregivers; observation checklist for assessing the caregiver's communication patterns with their patients, questionnaire to elecit the caregivers approach in handling different disease problems and finally Zarit burden scale. All these tools were applied before counseling sessions as a pre-test and after sessions as an evaluation test. Results showed, the effectiveness of counseling sessions in providing knowledge and support to family caregivers. improving their behaviors and interactions toward the patients and alleviating their life burden. To conclude the ongoing development and evaluation of appropriate interventions for family caregivers of schizophrenic patients remain an important challenge to the mental health professionals. More research is needed I this area to determine the longer term effects of counseling.