ABSTRACT
This study aimed to describe the profile of the families of users of psychosocial care centers (CAPS) in southern Brazil. This is a quantitative, cross-sectional study, with a descriptive approach. It is connected to the research "Evaluation of CAPS in southern Brazil (CAPSUL)". Data collection was conducted from May to June, 2006. 936 families of CAPS users answered a structured questionnaire. A database in the computer program Epi-info 6.04 was built, and statistical analysis was performed through Software Stata 7. It was evident that family caregivers are predominantly women averaging 49.2 years of age, with low education, married without a paid job and taking care by themselves of the family member with mental disorders. These results underscore the need for health services to develop actions in order to include these families in the focus of care of the multiprofessional patient care team.
