Criminal behavior among persons with schizophrenia in rural China
Received 21 July 2009; received in revised form 29 November 2009; accepted 19 December 2009. published online 13 January 2010.
Abstract
Objective
This study is to explore the prevalence and risk factors for self-reported criminal behavior among persons with schizophrenia in rural China.
Methods
We used data from a 14-year prospective follow-up study (1994–2008) of criminal behavior among a cohort (N=510) of persons with schizophrenia in Xinjin County, China.
Results
The rate of criminal behavior was 10.0% among persons with schizophrenia in a rural community during the follow-up period. Bivariate analyses showed that the risk of criminal behavior was significantly associated with being male, unmarried, previous violent behavior, homelessness, no family caregivers, and high scores on measures of total symptoms of illness. In multivariate logistic regression analyses being male and previous violent behavior were identified as independent predictors of increased criminal behavior in persons with schizophrenia in the follow-up period.
Conclusions
Criminal behavior is a common phenomenon among patients with schizophrenia in rural China. The findings of the risk factors for criminal behavior should be considered in planning mental health interventions for high-risk patients and their families.
ABSTRACT