Caregivers’ competency in social skills rehabilitation for schizophrenia patients

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to describe the level of caregivers’ competency and compare the factors that affect caregivers’ competency in social skills rehabilitation for schizophrenia patients.

Materials and methods A research desings was a descriptive. There were three hundred and forty caregivers of schizophrenia patients were purposively selected. Data were collected using a
questionnaire covering personal data of the schizophrenia patients and of their caregivers, and caregivers’ competency in social skills rehabilitation scale which was composed of four dimensions. Data were
analyzed by descriptive statistics and independent t-test.

Results The results revealed that the overall score of caregivers’ competency in social skills rehabilitation for schizophrenia patients was at a high level. Each subscale was at a high level as follows:
decision making and problem solving, relationship and communication complying with social rules and emotional and stress management. For each phase of competency, the mean score was at a high
level as follows: implementing, and evaluating but planning and making decision was at a moderate level. When compare with the factor about the period of time in the care and receiving knowledge in
social skills rehabilitation did not differ signifi cantly between the two groups of subject.

Conclusion Caregivers of schizophrenia patients had competency in social skills rehabilitation at high level. However, their competency in planning and making decision was in moderate level.
Therefore, health care team should pay attention in promoting caregivers’ confi dence, to enhance their competency in planning and making decision in the future.