Impact of electroconvulsive education module on knowledge and attitude of caregivers of mentally ill patients toward electroconvulsive therapy

Background: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a process of passage of an electric current to the patient's brain which induces a grand mal seizure. It is an effective and safe treatment option for many psychiatric disorders. There are a lot of stigmas associated with the use of ECT, which further undermines its acceptance by the general public. Relatives of patients who have more knowledge about ECT and its process of administration have a more positive attitude. Aims and Objective: The current study was used to assess the impact of brief ECT education module on knowledge and attitude toward ECT. Material and Methods: An interventional study was carried out from November 2021 to January 2022 among caregivers of mentally ill patients at a tertiary care center in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India. Consenting caregivers of 18–60 years without any history of psychiatric illness were included in the study. All participants were approached and requested to fill a semistructured pro forma containing demographic details and “knowledge and attitude toward ECT”, before and after the completion of the oral education session. Results: A total of 400 participants participated in the study. Participant's age ranged from 18 to 60 years. Participants have poor knowledge about the mechanism of ECT, its efficacy, and side effects related to it (<50% response). A positive correlation was observed between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.625, P < 0.001). Education has a statistically significant impact on changing attitude. Conclusion: Participants having higher educational qualifications or those having previous history of ECT among close friends or relatives had a positive perception toward ECT. Educational or counseling sessions among caregivers are effective in changing attitude toward ECT.