NIVEL DE CONOCIMIENTO SOBRE LAS ENFERMEDADES MENTALES POR PARTE DE LOS CUIDADORES DE PACIENTES DE LA CONSULTA PRIVADA EN GUAYAQUIL

Abstract

Mental illnesses (MI) represent a silent and stigmatized health problem, and are clinically characterized by alterations in the thinking and/or behavior of those who suffer from them. These clinical conditions make the patient dependent on the assistance of caregivers and affect their quality of life and level of autonomy. Previous research has shown that a lack of knowledge about MI is linked to poor medical care. And the results of the analysis of a sample in Peru reflect that caregivers of patients with MI lack adequate care skills. Despite this, no studies were found in the country, nor validated questionnaires, that allow determining the level of knowledge of caregivers of patients with MI. Therefore, the present study was designed with the objective of evaluating the level of knowledge about MI by caregivers of patients with MI treated in a private office in Guayaquil. It was found that of the 40 caregivers surveyed, 72.5% were female, and 62.5% were from the age group of 34 to 48 years. Likewise, it was observed that 45% had completed at least secondary school. Finally, the level of knowledge of caregivers of patients with MI was low in 45% of the sample, with item 2 of the questionnaire (knowledge of crisis management) being the one that obtained the lowest score. On the other hand, two significant relationships were determined, the first between the female sex and the high level of knowledge of MI in their caregivers (p=0.003), and the second between the lower educational level and the low level of knowledge (p= 0.021). The results of this study show that it's necessary to design and implement MI education programs for the entire population, but especially for caregivers.