Abstract:

Introduction: Families who care for schizophrenia patients will experience various challenges, which are influenced by the family's knowledge and understanding of schizophrenia. This study aims to explore the family's understanding of schizophrenia in their families in rural families in Indonesia in 2020. Methods: This study uses a qualitative research design with a phenomenological approach, which was conducted in East Java Provincial Health Office from July to October 2020. The study participants were five family members who cared for a schizophrenia patient at home. Researchers conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with participants and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: Based on the thematic analysis, three main themes were found, including 1) Family doesn't understand schizophrenia; 2) Family ignorance about how to care for the patient; and 3) Schizophrenia patients are considered a burden. Conclusions: The family's ignorance about schizophrenia risks causes their inaccuracy in treating patients. Nurses need to provide education about basic knowledge about schizophrenia and its treatment so that they can provide optimal care and be able to manage the burden they experience.

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