Abstract

Introduction: More than 70% of patients with schizophrenia are cared by family at home. Knowledge deficit of caregivers is basically the basic and fundamental problem regarding the signs and symptoms of disease.

Objective: This study was to assess the knowledge level of schizophrenic patients' caregivers referring to Shahid Beheshti hospital in Kerman city regarding home care. 

Method: This descriptive study was conducted on 196 caregivers of schizophrenic patients in Shahid Beheshti hospital. The data collection tool consisted of a researcher made questionnaire and information was obtained through face to face interview. The data were analyzed using SPSS, t-test, ANOVA, and Spearman rank correlation.

Results: The mean knowledge score of caregivers and standard deviation were10.66 and SD=2.04 respectively. The maximum knowledge was observed in physical area (X=13.96, SD=4.32) and the minimum knowledge was in psychological area (X=9.11, SD=1.62). There was a significant association between knowledge and the level of education in patients (p<0.01).

Conclusion: Our findings showed that caregivers had poor knowledge level. Programs for promoting the knowledge of caregivers are necessary.

Key words: schizophrenia, knowledge, caregiver