The effect of psychoeducation to the perception burden on families schizophrenia

In this research, the effect of psychoeducation given to the caregivers of schizophrenia patients on caregivers' perception of burden has been examined. In the research, trial model with pre-test & post-test control group was used. The research was carried out at Adnan Menderes University Research and Application Hospital between September 2011 and October 2013. According to DSM-IV patients with the diagnosis of schizophrenia who followed at policlinic has been chosen. It was achieved 30 study group and 30 control group. In the research question form was applied to patients and caregivers; Perceived Family Burden Scale was applied to caregivers before training and three months after training. Besides, in the study relationship between patients and caregivers' demographic characteristics and caregivers' perception of burden has been examined. It was seen that income status and patient'gender affected perception of burden. It is concluded that when income decreases and patient's gender male care burden increases. In the study group at the end of the psychoeducation, caregivers' objective burden points hasn't been changed, a meaningful decrease has been obtained in subjective burden and total burden points. As the findings obtained from the research were examined, it was seen that psychoeducation contributed to the decrease of caregivers' perception of burden. In the control group a meaningful increase has been obtained in caregivers' objective burden points, a meaningful decrease has been obtained in subjective burden and total burden points. Keywords: Schizophrenia, caregiver, burden, psychoeducation.