Impact of a Family Educational Program on Moroccan and French Caregivers of Patients with Schizophrenia: A Comparative Analysis of Prevalence and Severity of Depressive Symptoms

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Caring for individuals with psychosis is an emotionally demanding task as caregivers often face significant psychological challenges. The experience and intensity of these challenges might differ across cultural contexts. This study sought to analyze and compare the prevalence and severity of depressive symptoms among caregivers of patients with schizophrenia in Morocco and France. Methods: Our retrospective observational study included 130 caregivers from Morocco and 5057 from France. We used the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale to screen for depressive symptoms and evaluated variations in symptom manifestation using the four-factor model. Furthermore, we evaluated the impact of a family intervention program called Profamille on alleviating these symptoms by examining improvements in caregivers’ mood and patients’ social functioning, using the life skill profile 20. Results: Moroccan caregivers displayed a higher prevalence (72%) and severity of depressive symptoms compared to French caregivers (51%). While Moroccan caregivers scored higher in the interpersonal problems subscale, they did not notably differ in the somatic subscale, challenging some preconceived cultural notions. Postpsychoeducational intervention, a significant reduction in depression rates was observed in both Moroccan and French groups. Conclusions: Moroccan caregivers, despite the nation’s collectivist culture emphasizing strong familial bonds, exhibited heightened depressive symptoms, hinting at potential culture-specific challenges. Psychoeducational interventions were effective across both cultural groups, indicating their universal therapeutic potential. The findings emphasize the importance of recognizing and addressing cultural variations in caregiving experiences and mental health symptomatology.