The needs and related factors of caregivers of aboriginal and non-aboriginal schizophrenia patients in the Hualien area

Objective: To explore the needs of and factors relating to caregivers of aboriginal and non-aboriginal schizophrenia patients in the Hualien area of Taiwan. Patients and Methods: The present study used purpose sampling to select and interrogate aboriginal and non-aboriginal primary caregivers who were responsible for schizophrenic patients. A structured questionnaire was used to acquire information from caregivers. Participants were recruited from two distinct caregiver groups, one consisting of 50 aboriginal and one of 50 non-aboriginal subjects. Results: The principal caregivers' greatest needs were "material needs"; followed by "informational needs" and "emotional needs" in decreasing order. Aboriginal and non-aboriginal groups revealed a difference only with respect to the "material needs" category, for which aboriginal caregivers demonstrated a more pronounced need than non-aboriginals. Conclusions: Results of the study will be of assistance to health professionals in understanding the needs of primary caretakers for schizophrenic patients in the Hualien area of Taiwan, and will act as a reference for the future development of action plans and techniques for holistic care of schizophrenic patients.