The findings underline the central role of families in maintaining the stability of people living with schizophrenia. Adequate knowledge helps families support medication adherence, recognize early warning signs, and manage daily activities that reduce the risk of relapse.
Relapse Remains a Major Mental Health Challenge
According to the World Health Organization, one in eight people worldwide lives with a mental disorder. In Indonesia, the 2023 National Health Survey reported that around 20 percent of the population experiences mental and emotional problems. Schizophrenia is among the most severe conditions, with relapse frequently occurring when treatment adherence and family support are insufficient.
Many patients discontinue medication once they feel better, while family members often lack the information needed to prevent symptoms from returning. This gap highlights the importance of accessible and practical mental health education at the community level.
How the Study Was Conducted
The study involved 12 families of patients with schizophrenia and used a before-and-after survey approach. Families received a health education booklet containing clear and practical guidance on caring for patients with schizophrenia and preventing relapse. Knowledge levels were measured using the same questionnaire before and after the educational intervention.
This simple approach allowed the researcher to directly assess the effectiveness of booklet-based education in primary health care settings.
Key Findings
The results show a clear improvement in family knowledge:
- Average knowledge score before education: 12.75
- Average score after receiving the booklet: 14.42
- The improvement was statistically significant with a p-value of 0.000
- The booklet helped families better understand their role in relapse prevention
These findings demonstrate that simple, easy-to-read educational materials can produce meaningful improvements in family involvement in mental health care.
Implications for Health Services and Communities
The study offers practical implications for primary health care providers. Health education booklets can be integrated into routine mental health programs at community health centers, including home visits and family counseling sessions.
For the broader community, the findings highlight the importance of mental health literacy. Improving family understanding not only reduces relapse risk but also lowers the likelihood of rehospitalization and eases the overall burden on health services.
According to Jumilia of the Institute of Health Payung Negeri Pekanbaru, strengthening family roles through simple educational tools is a strategic step toward improving the quality of life of patients with schizophrenia and supporting sustainable mental health care.
Author Profile
- Jumilia, S.Kep., Ns., M.Kep.- Institute of Health Payung Negeri Pekanbaru
Research Source
Jumilia. (2026).
The Effectiveness of a Health Education Booklet on Improving Family Knowledge About Relapse Schizophrenia Patients in Dadok Tunggul Hitam Community Health Center.
International Journal of Integrated Science and Technology (IJIST), 4(1), 1–8.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59890/ijist.v4i1.263
URL: https://ntlmultitechpublisher.my.id/index.php/ijist
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