Effect of the Family-Centered Empowerment Model on self-care requisites in patients with schizophrenia: A randomized controlled trial

Background: The families of patients with mental disorders can provide an appropriate foundation for care. This study aimed to determine the effect of the Family-Centered Empowerment Model on self-care requisites in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: This randomized controlled trial, conducted in ۲۰۲۵, enrolled ۷۲ patients with schizophrenia who were discharged from Razi Hospital, Tabriz, Iran, together with their primary caregivers. Eligible patients were randomly allocated to the intervention (n = ۳۶) or control (n = ۳۶) group using block randomization. Data were collected at baseline and after the intervention using the Self-Care Requisites Scale in Schizophrenia (SCRS-H). Caregivers in the intervention group participated in eight weekly group-based educational sessions based on the Family-Centered Empowerment Model, whereas the control group received routine care. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), with adjustment for baseline scores and educational level, using SPSS version ۲۵. Results: The two groups were comparable at baseline with respect to demographic and clinical characteristics. Following the intervention, the intervention group demonstrated significantly better self-care requisites (Reduced SCRS-H score) than the control group (۹۰.۷۲ ± ۱۲.۱۹ vs. ۱۰۰.۲۲ ± ۱۵.۰۳, P = ۰.۰۰۴). After adjustment for baseline scores and educational level, ANCOVA confirmed a significant effect of the intervention (P < ۰.۰۰۱). The intervention had a moderate-to-large effect on self-care requisites (Cohen's d = ۰.۶۹, ۹۵% CI: ۰.۲۱-۱.۱۷). Conclusion: Participation in the Family-Centered Empowerment Model was associated with significant improvements in self-care requisites among patients with schizophrenia. This intervention may represent a useful adjunct to routine psychiatric rehabilitation by strengthening patients' capacity for self-care. Further multicenter studies with larger samples and extended follow-up are warranted to confirm these findings and assess their long-term clinical impact.

کلیدواژه ها:

Self Care ، Schizophrenia ، Family-Centered Empowerment Model