Risk factors of criminal behavior in persons with schizophrenia in a rural Chinese community / 中国心理卫生杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective: To examine the prevalence and risk factors of criminal behavior among persons with schizophrenia in a rural area. Methods: A 14-year prospective follow-up study (1994 - 2008) was conducted on criminal behavior, clinical symptoms, social functioning, treatment and caring status among 510 persons with schizophrenia in Xinjin County, Chengdu. The instruments included the Present State Examination (PSE-9), Social Disability Screening Schedule (SDSS), and Positive and Negative Syndrome (PANSS) .Results: Totally 489 patients (95.9%) were followed up. The life-time prevalence of criminal behavior among these patients was 13.5%. Criminal behavior was more likely to happen among the persons who were unmarried (19.1%), younger t (41.2 ± 16.6) years old], and had earlier onset age [(28.4 ± 10.4) years old] .In the follow-up data, the rates of patients'criminal behavior were relatively higher among these patients who had poor family economic status (16.6%), no caregiver (28. 6%), homelessness (25.0%), and higher positive (14.1 ± 7.4), negative (19.3±10.2) and total scores (68.7±28.7) of PANSS (P<0.05) .Conclusion: The criminal behavior in patients with schizophrenia is common in rural areas and may be affected by multi-factors. The risk factors of criminal behavior in persons with schizophrenia, such as their marriage, family intervention and social support services, should be considered for community mental health policy making, community mental health services and family interventions.