Effectiveness of Video-Assisted Teaching Program on Knowledge, Attitude, and Stigma Toward Modified Electroconvulsive Therapy Among the Primary Caregivers of Patients With Psychotic Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a video-assisted educational program on knowledge, attitude, and stigma toward modified electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) among the primary caregivers of patients with psychotic disorders.

Methods: This experimental study was conducted at the Department of Psychiatry of a tertiary care hospital in India among 94 adult primary caregivers of patients with psychotic disorder. Participants in the experimental group (n = 47) received a 15-minute video-assisted educational program on ECT in addition to the standard care, and those in the control group (n = 47) received only the standard care. The online platform was used to collect data on caregivers' sociodemographic details, knowledge, attitudes, and stigma toward ECT. The data from either group were collected at baseline and 2 weeks after intervention.

Results: Both groups were comparable with regard to key sociodemographic variables and baseline level of knowledge, attitude, and stigma toward ECT. In the postintervention, there was a significant difference in the median (interquartile range) score of knowledge, attitude, and stigma toward ECT in the experimental group compared with the control group. There was a significant correlation between the pretest level of knowledge and attitude (r = 0.387). The relationship with the patient was found to be associated with the knowledge level of the subjects (P < 0.001), and caregivers' monthly income was associated (P < 0.05) with stigma toward ECT.

Conclusion: The study provides evidence that the video-assisted educational program was effective in increasing knowledge, creating a more positive attitude, and reducing stigma toward ECT.