title: The effects of support groups on caregivers of patients with schizophrenia.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of support groups on caregivers of patients with schizophrenia. This was a time series nonequivalent control group design. Subjects were evaluated in three waves of data collection: before intervention, after intervention and one-month follow-up. The support group's effects were measured using changes in the subjects' perceived levels of burden, depression status and satisfaction about their participation in the program. Professionally led support group had a close and time-limited format. The GEE (generalized estimated equation) revealed differences in caregivers' level of burden and depression status between the support and control groups in the post-test and one-month follow-up. The differences highlighted the fact that participation in support groups provides more effective assistance to caregivers than the control group.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, National Defense Medical Center, No 161, Sec 6, Min-Chuan East Rd, Nei-Hu, 114 Taipei, Taiwan. kueiru@ndmctsgh.edu.tw
authors.forename: Kuei-Ru
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Chou
authors.forename: Su-Yen
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Hsin
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Chu
mesh_terms: D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003863:Depression / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D012559:Schizophrenia; D012657:Self-Help Groups