Expressed emotion and socio-demographic and clinical factors in families of Brazilian patients with schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND:: Families are the main caregivers of people with schizophrenia. Family dynamic and expressed emotion (EE) of relatives are fundamental determinants on the course of schizophrenia.

METHOD:: This study analyzed socio-demographic and clinical factors related to EE components. A total of 94 dyads (patients with schizophrenia and their relatives) were recruited from three mental health clinics. A form containing socio-demographic and clinical variables and the Brazilian version of Family Questionnaire were used and the data were analyzed through regression model.

RESULTS:: Results showed that factors such as patients' occupation status and patients' age, as well as relatives' gender and the degree of relatedness, were related to emotional overinvolvement and critical comments levels.

CONCLUSION:: This is the first study in the Brazilian cultural context that evaluates EE components and related factors on families of patients with schizophrenia. Other studies concerning EE on different cultural contexts and possible interventions must be carried out to help health professionals to improve patient and family care.