A Qualitative Study About Schizophrenia Caregiver’s Experiences and Needs

Abstract

. Caregivers in schizophrenia patients have a high burden of care so they are unable to care optimally and have an impact on the high relapse. The study aimed to explore the experiences and needs of caregivers in caring for patients. This was qualitative research used a phenomenology approach. Participants were 11 caregivers who directly cared for schizophrenic. Purposive sampling technique was applied. The data collection method used in-depth interviews. The results gained four themes: caring experiences, perceived burdens, used coping mechanisms and caregivers' needs in caring for patients. Caregivers' experiences in caring for patients often encountered problems including insufficient knowledge, financial and support that created physical, emotional/psychological, and social burdens. Adaptive and maladaptive coping mechanisms were used. Caregivers' needs in caring for their family members affected by schizophrenia including knowledge, support and health services. Caring and support from people around them will reduce the risk of disruption of well-being and can improve the welfare of patients with schizophrenia. It can be concluded that caregivers' needs were some knowledge on how to care for patients and their treatment, supports and health services.