CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY OF SCHIZOPHRENIA: THE CASE IN SAINT MARY PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL DURING THE YEAR 2013

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to provide a systematic review on clinical epidemiology of schizophrenia at St. Mary's Psychiatric Hospital, Asmara.

Methodology:   A descriptive and correlational research design was employed in this study. The study population was patients who visited St. Mary's Psychiatric Hospital for the first time in the year 2013. These include both in and out patients, though first visit is to OPD - out patient department. In this year 2,500 new patients were registered in the hospital. 148 patients were diagnosed with schizophrenia in that particular year and 126 are considered for this study, as the 22 patient cards are either misplaced or information is incomplete. Measures of central tendencies, frequency distributions, complex samples analysis, and cross tabulations were performed.   

Findings: The most vulnerable age category for onset of symptoms of schizophrenia is found in late adulthood (40% on age range greater than 40). The frequency in late adulthood is found to be significantly different from early adulthood. The frequency distribution in the current study shows that urban dwellers are at high risk (57.6%) than rural dwellers. The current study revealed that both the sexes are at almost equal risk. In the cases studied, one in four has a first degree relative with either schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders.

Unique contribution to the theory, practice and policy: A community based epidemiological study gives broader and more meaningful picture of disorders. Therefore, future researchers are advised to conduct epidemiological studies of psychological disorders at community level.The second recommendation is that much deeper investigations be made to reveal the causal or exposing factors to schizophrenia. It is only when these factors are properly studied that effective planning in treatment and intervention be made.

Keywords:  Prevalence, schizophrenia, age groups, gender, residence