Effectiveness of Psychoeducation on Attitude towards Persons with Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia among Their Family Members

Background: Family members’ attitude towards the clients plays a significant role in the functioning, treatment adherence and better quality of life for the clients. Lack of proper knowledge about illness, unparalleled expectations from clients and limited mental health services and facilities contribute towards the development of negative attitude towards the client. Aim: The present study aimed to find out the impact of psychoeducation on attitude towards persons with negative symptoms of schizophrenia among their family members. Materials and methods: Quasi experimental study design was adopted. Though purposive sampling 30 dyads of patients and family members each from control and experimental group took part in the study. Measures include socio demographic proforma, Positive and Negative syndrome scale (PANSS), Scale for assessment of negative symptoms (SANS) and Family attitude scale (FAS). Three sessions of family psychoeducation was provided to the experimental group during the hospital stay of the clients. Pre test data was collected before the implementation of family psychoeducation and post test data after one month i.e. at the first follow up of the clients after discharge from the hospital. Descriptive statistics, inferential statistics paired, independent ‘t’ test, Pearson’s correlation and chi square were computed. Results: A significant difference in the pre test and post test family attitude score was found in the experimental group at P