Abstract: ObjectiveTo observe the effect of rehabilitation training on family caregiver of schizophrenic in rural areas.Methods60 schizophrenic patients in rural area were divided into rehabilitation group and control group. The rehabilitation group and their caregivers received training of family rehabilitation for 12 months. The caregivers in the control group only received interview. Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and Social Disability Screening Schedule(SDSS) were used to assess the patients before, 6 months and 12 months after training. The self-made caregiver questionnaire was to assess mental knowledge and family harmony of the caregivers.ResultsPsychiatric knowledge and family harmony for caregivers significantly changed in the rehabilitation group after the family rehabilitation training. There were significant differences in the BPRS and SDSS score between the rehabilitation group and the control group.ConclusionThe family rehabilitation training can benefit the rural schizophrenic patients and their caregivers.

Key words: schizophrenia, family rehabilitation, caregiver