[Demographic and clinical characteristics in schizophrenia: a multi center cross-sectional case record study]

The aim of the present study is to assess the relationship between demographic characteristics and suicide attempts, physically aggressive behavior, substance abuse, repeated hospitalizations, and continuous illness course .

The medical records of patients from three different treatment centers were assessed. The relationship between demographics and clinical characteristics were assessed. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the predicting factors for suicide attempts, physically aggressive behavior, heavy smoking, repeated hospitalizations, and continuous illness course.

The medical records of a total of 720 patients with schizophrenia were assessed. Of these patients, 68% were never married, 56% were unemployed, and 69% were living with their parents. 35% of the patients had a relative diagnosed with a psychotic disorder. The mean age for the onset of the illness was found to be 23.5, with no difference between females and males. 50% of the patients had had repeated hospitalizations. The duration of untreated psychosis was 10.8 months and 28% of the patients had been through a continuous course of the illness. 57% of the patients were found to be regular smokers; 55% of the patients had physically aggressive behavior; 52% had experienced a suicidal ideation and attempt; 28% had made at least one suicide attempt. The percentage of patients having had a legal issue related to their illness was 11%. Heavy smoking was predicted with the continuous illness and male gender. Physically aggressive behavior was predicted with suicide ideation and attempts, being single, having insufficient family support, and having undergone frequent hospitalization. Repeated hospitalizations were predicted with suicide attempts and having a legal problems; continuous course of illness was predicted with being unemployed and lack of family support; suicide attempt was predicted with duration of the illness.

When both sexes were compared, the lack of difference at the onset of disease between the two suggests that there might be other factors playing a role in this phenomenon. The relationship between suicidal ideation and behavior and physical aggressive behavior, indicates that these two might share common underlying mechanisms. Possible significant relationships between demographic and clinical characteristics should be kept in mind for the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation approaches in dealing with schizophrenia.