Comparison of prevalence of schizophrenia among residents of hostels for homeless people in 1966 and 1992.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the prevalence of schizophrenia among the homeless population of Edinburgh resident in hostels has changed between 1966 and 1992.


METHODS
Comparison of two cross sectional surveys.


METHODS
Hostels for homeless people in Edinburgh.


METHODS
In 1966 a random sample of 98 residents of three common lodging houses. In 1992 a random sample of 198 residents of nine hostels.


METHODS
Prevalence of schizophrenia.


RESULTS
The prevalence of schizophrenia in 1992 was 12/136 (9%) compared with 20/79 (25%) in 1966 (odds ratio 0.29; 95% confidence interval 0.13 to 0.62; P = 0.001). Adjustment for confounding by age, current hostel, and duration of unemployment by means of logistic regression produced an adjusted odds ratio of 0.22 (0.08 to 0.58).


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of schizophrenia was lower in 1992 even after other changes in the population resident in hostels occurring between 1966 and 1992 were taken into account. The findings are not consistent with an increase in the prevalence of schizophrenia among homeless people despite a 66% reduction in adult psychiatric beds in the region during 1966-92.
Geddes
J
J
Department of Psychiatry, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Morningside Park.
Newton
R
R
Young
G
G
Bailey
S
S
Freeman
C
C
Priest
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D015995:Prevalence; D011897:Random Allocation; D012112:Residential Facilities; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012606:Scotland / Q000453:epidemiology