BackgroundLittle is known about gender differences in the long-term outcomes of
people with schizophrenia living in the community.AimsTo explore gender differences in the 14-year outcome of people with
schizophrenia in rural China.MethodA 14-year follow-up study among a 1994 cohort (n = 510)
of participants with schizophrenia was conducted in Xinjin County,
Chengdu, China. All participants and their informants were followed up in
2004 and 2008 using the Patients Follow-up Schedule.ResultsCompared with female participants, male participants were significantly
younger, had significantly higher rates of mortality, suicide and
homelessness, and poorer family and social support. There was no
significant gender difference in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale
scores, previous suicide attempts, those never treated, previous hospital
admission or inability to work. Longer duration of illness was associated
with functional decline and comparatively poorer family economic
status.ConclusionsThe long-term outcomes of men with schizophrenia is worse than those of
women with the disorder in rural China. Higher mortality, suicide and
homelessness rates in men may contribute partly to the higher prevalence
of schizophrenia in women in China. Policies on social and family support
and gender-specific intervention strategies for improving long-term
outcomes should be developed for people with this disorder.
Differences in mortality and suicidal behaviour between treated
and never-treated people with schizophrenia in rural China
