Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan,

2 Department of Psychology, Payamenour University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Family psychoeducation is one of the most routine interventions in a
schizophrenic patients’ management. We evaluated the effects of a needs‑assessment‑based
educational program in comparison with the current program on global function and quality of
life (QOL) of the patients and their families. Materials and Methods: In this controlled study,
60 schizophrenia patients and their families were allocated for a needs‑assessment‑based
psychoeducation (treatment) and current education (control) programs. The family members
of both the groups participated in 10 sessions of education, within about six months. The
patients’ global function and QOL were assessed with the global assessment of function (GAF)
and the Schizophrenia Quality of Life Scales (SQLS), respectively. The families’ QOL was
assessed with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Quality of Life‑BREF (WHOQOL‑BREF).
Assessments were done at the beginning and then every six months, for a total of 18 months.
Results: Forty‑two cases completed the study. Global function was improved with the
treatment (P = 0.002), but not in the control group (P = 0.601). The patients’ quality of life
in the treatment group showed significant improvement on the psychosocial (P < 0.01)
and symptoms/side effects subscale scores (P < 0.01), but not on the energy subscale
score (P > 0.1). There was no significant change in the family’s quality of life in both groups.
Conclusions: The family psychoeducational needs assessment may lead to more improvement
in schizophrenic patients’ global function and quality of life, but has no significant effect on
their families’ quality of life. It is recommended that the psychiatric care centers develop their
psychoeducation profiles based on the needs‑assessment program.

Keywords

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