Efficiency of Psycho-Education Program in increasing knowledge and reducing burden of Care for Sudanese Caregivers of Patients with Schizophrenia

Abstract

Background: This article explored the efficiency of family psycho-education intervention (FPP) in increasing the knowledge and reducing the burden of care for Sudanese caregivers of individuals with schizophrenia. Methods: Caregivers of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia in outpatients’ hospitals were assigned to the intervention program. Pre and post measurements were applied for the assigned group. The psycho-educational program consisted of ten 180-min sessions held for ten weeks. Caregiver Burden (ZCB) scale and questionnaire were measured at baseline and after the intervention. Results: There was statistically significant increase on the level of knowledge and decrease of the burden of caregivers following FPP intervention. Conclusion: Results suggest that psycho-educational intervention for Sudanese family members caring for patients with schizophrenia would increase caregivers’ knowledge about the illness and reduce difficulties families are facing which might improve their psychological health.