Factors Predicting Caring Behaviors of Caregivers for Chronic Schizophrenic Patients at Home

Abstract

Objectives    : The purpose of this study was to examine the caring behaviors of caregivers for chronic schizophrenia patients at home, and the factors predicting the caring behaviors of caregivers for chronic schizophrenia patients at home.

Methods   : The study used a correlational  predictive research design. The sample consisted of 180 caregivers of chronic schizophrenia patients selected  by a simple random sampling technique at the Psychiatric Outpatient  Department,  Trang Hospital. The instruments included a questionnaire of personal data and a questionnaire of caregivers caring behaviors. Data collection was conducted in July 2017. Data was analysed by descriptive statistics and multiple  regression analysis.

Results  : The overall  mean score of caring behaviors of caregivers for chronic schizophrenic patients was at a high level. The aspect of the psychosocial care was at the highest ( = 3.22, SD= .26) and the physical care accounted for the second ( =3.22, SD=.26), whereas  the spiritual  care was at the lowest ( =2.85, SD = .56). Multiple  regression analysis revealed that the sex and age could predict the caring behaviors of caregivers at 25 %.

Conclusion :  Caregivers taking care of schizophrenia patient’s  in health care providers, may also concern  on chronic schizophrenia patients at home  based on holism care in Thai culture. Good caregivers must have not only to know the illness and caring well but also to provide love and concern to the patients.

 Keywords   : Caregivers, Chronic Schizophrenia  Patients, Caring Behaviors