Embedded Mixed Methods Evaluation of the Psycho-educational Intervention Impact on People Diagnosed with Schizophrenia and Their Primary Caregivers: Findings From a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background

Psycho-educational interventions for people diagnosed with schizophrenia (PDwS) and their primary caregivers (PC) can improve knowledge about schizophrenia, reduce PCs’ burden of care, PDwSs’ symptoms, and enhance PCs’ quality of life. However, the majority of existing studies have significant methodological weaknesses. Also, little is known about the impact of psycho-educational interventions delivered by booklets and in developing countries like Jordan.

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of psycho-education delivered via a printed booklet for PDwS and their PCs’ in Jordan.

Methods

A single blind parallel randomized controlled trial was conducted between September 2012 and September 2013 at four mental outpatient clinics in Amman, Jordan. One hundred and twenty-one PDwS with their PCs were allocated randomly to an experimental (psycho-educational intervention plus treatment as usual in outpatient clinic) group (n = 58) or control (treatment as usual alone) group (n = 63). Outcomes, measured prior randomization (pretest), immediately post-intervention (posttest 1) and at three months after intervention (posttest 2).

Results

Participants receiving psycho-education and treatment as usual had better knowledge of schizophrenia, reduced positive and negative symptoms and hospitalisation at both follow-up points. PCs had reduced burden of care and experienced a better quality of life.

Conclusion

Psycho-education delivered via printed booklets improves outcomes for PDwS and their PCs in Jordan better than treatment as usual. Our hypothesis is supported.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.