Knowledge, attitudes and practices of caregivers of patients with Schizophrenia in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

ABSTRACT

@#The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of adult caregivers of schizophrenia patients in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain the required data from consented caregivers accompanying the schizophrenia patients attending the consultation clinic at Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH). Focus Group Discussion was held with consented caregivers of schizophrenia patients admitted in the Psychiatric ward of PMGH. A convenient sample of 79 caregivers with patients was selected for this study. Consents were obtained from 40 caregivers, which give a response rate of 50.6%. Most of the caregivers (75.0%) had no prior knowledge about schizophrenia; they became aware about schizophrenia from experience with their patients. The fathers (35.0%) and mothers (22.5%) were the major caregivers for the patients. Most of the caregivers indicated that the health workers did not give them adequate education about schizophrenia. Marijuana (47.5%) and psychosocial problems (45.0%) were the two major causes of schizophrenia indicated by the caregivers. Caregivers considered medical intervention to be the most important, but they also advocated supportive interventions such as church activities and family support. Most of the caregivers accepted their patients as part of the family and considered it their responsibility (52.5%) to care for them, and preferably to administer treatment at home (52.5%); the exception being during severely aggressive episodes. Financial problem was one of the factors that impacted negatively on follow-up of patients. Increased access to services and health education is recommended to further enhance the care of schizophrenia patients in Port Moresby, PNG.