Factors associated with aggression in schizophrenia-A cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Mental Health
• Clinical Psychology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder impacting multiple life domains.
• Aggression is a significant domain within schizophrenia, necessitating research into its risk factors.
• Understanding socio-demographic and clinical variables associated with aggression is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify clinical and socio-demographic risk variables for aggressive behavior in schizophrenia patients.
• To elucidate the relationship between patient characteristics and aggressive tendencies.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 50 schizophrenia patients in a tertiary care hospital.
• Data collection included socio-demographic details, clinical variables, and the Modified Overt Aggression Scale (MOAS).
• Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.

Main Results:

• Aggressive behavior was observed in 68% (34 out of 50) of the participants.
• Lower socioeconomic status (SES) was significantly correlated with aggression (R = -0.374, P = 0.007).
• Single marital status was also significantly correlated with aggression (R = -0.375, P = 0.007).

Conclusions:

• Aggressive behavior is prevalent among schizophrenia patients.
• Lower socioeconomic status and single status are significant risk factors for aggression in this population.
• Identifying clinical and illness predictors is essential for psychiatrists to mitigate aggression and its consequences.