Explanatory models of illness in schizophrenia: comparison of four ethnic groups.
BACKGROUND
Explanatory models of illness may differ between ethnic groups and influence treatment satisfaction and compliance.


OBJECTIVE
To compare explanatory models among people with schizophrenia from four cultural backgrounds and explore their relationship with clinical and psychological characteristics.


METHODS
Explanatory models, insight, treatment compliance, health locus of control, quality of life, treatment satisfaction, therapeutic relationships and symptomatology were assessed in UK Whites and Bangladeshis, African-Caribbeans and West Africans.


RESULTS
When biological and supernatural causes of illness were compared, Whites cited biological causes more frequently than the three non-White groups, who cited supernatural causes more frequently. When biological and social causes were compared, Whites cited biological causes more frequently than African-Caribbeans and Bangladeshis, who cited social causes more frequently. A biological explanatory model was related to enhanced treatment satisfaction and therapeutic relationships but not treatment compliance.


CONCLUSIONS
Explanatory models of illness contribute to patient satisfaction with treatment and relationships with clinicians.
McCabe
Rosemarie
R
Unit for Social and Community Psychiatry, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Newham Centre for Mental Health, London, UK. r.mccabe@qmul.ac.uk
Priebe
Stefan
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D044466:Asian People / Q000523:psychology; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D044383:Black People / Q000523:psychology; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000208:ethnology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000208:ethnology; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology