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Social environment and longevity in schizophrenia.
A J Christensen1, R Dornink, S L Ehlers
1Department of Psychology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, USA. alan-christensen@uiowa.edu
Psychosomatic Medicine
|April 16, 1999
Summary
Social support quantity significantly predicts survival time in schizophrenia patients. Higher social support is linked to a longer lifespan, highlighting the importance of the social environment for psychiatric populations.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Social Science
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness with significant impact on patient longevity.
- The role of social factors in long-term outcomes for schizophrenia patients requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the predictive value of social support for long-term survival in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 133 deceased schizophrenia patients with inpatient treatment history (1934-1944) was analyzed.
- Social histories were reviewed to assess the quantity and quality of social support.
- Cox regression analysis was employed to evaluate survival time.
Main Results:
- A higher quantity of social support was significantly associated with increased survival time (p<.05).
- Each 1-point increase in social support quantity correlated with a 25% reduction in the hazard rate.
- Support quantity remained a significant predictor after controlling for marital status and support quality.
Conclusions:
- The quantity of social support available to patients with schizophrenia is a significant factor influencing their longevity.
- Social environment characteristics, particularly social support, may play a crucial role in the long-term health outcomes of psychiatric populations.