Multifamily Educational Intervention in Schizophrenia. I. Does it Have any Effect?

This study examined whether a multifamily educational program may increase the relatives’ knowledge about schizophrenia, change behaviours & influence relatives’ perceived burden of the illness. Before the program, 81% of relatives worried about the possibility of suicide; 72% were still very concerned after the program. Even though levels of knowledge increased & behavioural changes were observed, the program did not help relatives cope with the consequences of the schizophrenia. (29 refs.)