Women caregivers of relatives with schizophrenia in western Mexico

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disease that precludes people to have an independent life. Objective: To describe the woman's perception about their role as primary caregiver of relatives with schizophrenia. Method: The design of the study was qualitative, with a descriptive and a cross-sectional method for cognitive anthropological studies. The sample had a probabilistic calculation with a confidence level of 95%, with a randomized simple sampling, 42 familiars of SALME users were included. Originality: The use of the ethnological method to understand the role of women as caregivers of people with schizophrenia is innovative. Conclusions: Drug control, along with understanding, and support, were considered the most important activities. The woman is the one who assumes the care of the patient with schizophrenia as a moral, and with natural commitment, marked by affection. While in the male sex care is given as an option. This circumstance must be addressed with a gender parity approach and with the establishment of adequate limits to the other members of the family.