Knowledge; Attitudes and Practices among Caregivers of Patients with Schizophrenia in Western Maharashtra

Mahadeo Shinde, Amol Desai, Shivaji Pawar

Abstract: Aims: This study aimed at assessing the knowledge; attitude; and practices among caregivers of schizophrenia patients in western Maharashtra. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional study design was used which was carried out in mental health institute. Methods A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain the required data from caregivers accompanying the schizophrenia patients. Convenient samples of 50 caregivers were selected. Most of the caregivers (30 %) had no prior knowledge about schizophrenia. The fathers (24 %) and relatives (24 %) were the major caregivers for the patients. Caregivers considered medical intervention to be the most important; but they also advocated supportive interventions such as counseling and family support. Financial problem was one of the factors that impacted negatively on follow-up of patients. Conclusion- Educational programmes for the relatives of patients by developing psycho-educational intervention and sensitization campaigns are needed.

Keywords: Schizophrenia, Caregivers, Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices

How to Cite?: Mahadeo Shinde, Amol Desai, Shivaji Pawar, "Knowledge; Attitudes and Practices among Caregivers of Patients with Schizophrenia in Western Maharashtra", Volume 3 Issue 5, May 2014, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 516-522, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=20131871, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/20131871