Assessing rehabilitation needs of caregivers of people with schizophrenia in Hong Kong

Abstract

Objective: Schizophrenia is a chronic and disabling mental illness that does not only affect clients but also their family caregrvers, The study validated the PRNQ-C for assessmg perceived needs of caregrvers of people with schizophrenia, investigated the perceived needs of caregivers, and formulated recommendations to policy development and clinical practice. Method: A validation study was conducted to examine the psychometric properties of PRNQ-C before it was employed as the assessment tool to explore the perceived needs among 98 caregivers. Results: The instrument was found to have robust factor structure, statistically acceptable internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. Knowledge on mental illness, stress management, and societal and financial support were perceived to be important rehabilitation needs by the caregrvers. Family intervention and emergency services were found to be the most needed rehabilitation services. Perceived needs were closely related to some demographic variables such as living condition and employment status. Finally, correlation between perceived importance and satisfaction of needs was found in some items. Conclusions: The PRNQ-C is a psychometrically sound instrument for use in Hong Kong to assess perceived rehabilitation needs of caregivers of people with schizophrenia. The findings have important implications to public policy, clinical practice, and further research.