The effects of psychoeducation provided to care staff working at special care centers on their beliefs about schizophrenia

Abstract

Objectives: This study analyzed the effects of psychoeducation given to the care staff working in private care centers on the beliefs about schizophrenia. Methods: This study was carried out between November 1, 2011 and June 28, 2013 in private care centers in the city of Agri; 68 care staff agreed to join the research. This study had semi-experimental research design with a control group. An introductory information form and a belief scale that focused on mental illnesses were used for gathering data. Psychoeducation was provided for twelve groups (3 persons), 45 minutes of schooling time per week, 3 days per week, during 10 weeks. The session groups were composed of 12 groups of 3 people, 3 days per week, and 4 different training hours per day. Each group consists of different individuals, and 12 co-sessions were given per week. The data were evaluated by percentage distributions, t test, paired samples t test, and chi-square test. Results: Previous to psychoeducation, the beliefs of the care staff concerning schizophrenic illness were negative; they considered patients with schizophrenia to be dangerous, that interpersonal relations would deteriorate, that feelings of helplessness were high and the belief of shame was lower. When the pre-test and post-test scores of the care staff on the RHYI scale were compared between the experimental and control group, and the experimental and control groups of the maintenance members were compared within the group, there was no statistically significant difference between the pre-test and post-test scores on the RHYI scale total score, danger and shame sub-dimensions (p<0.05). After psychoeducation in the care staff of experimental group, it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference between the scores on the RHYI scale helplessness and interpersonal relationship subscale scores. In the experimental group after the psychoeducation, the belief in helplessness and deterioration in interpersonal relationships decreased; the control group did not show similar changes. Conclusion: Psychoeducation positively affects beliefs concerning schizophrenia among care staff personnel in private care centers. The results of the study should be reported to related institutions; psychoeducation in these institutions should be provided continuously in regular intervals in those institutions.