Homelessness among patients with schizophrenia in rural China: a 10-year cohort study.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the frequency and risk factors of homelessness among a previously identified cohort of patients with schizophrenia in rural China.


METHODS
A 10-year follow-up investigation among a 1994 cohort (n = 510) of patients with schizophrenia was conducted in Xinjin County, Chengdu, China.


RESULTS
Thirty-nine patients (7.8%) experienced homelessness during the follow-up period. The rate of homelessness was 0.9 per 100 person-years during the 10-year follow-up period. Four significant predictors of homelessness remained in the final logistic regression model: living in shabby or unstable house or shelter, positive family history of mental disorders, without income of the patient, and unmarried, divorced, or separated. Risk of homelessness increased substantially with exposure to multiple risk factors.


CONCLUSIONS
Substantial numbers of homeless patients with schizophrenia are challenges for mental health care and public health. Appropriate community-based services, especially housing services, should be crucial for prevention of homelessness in patients with schizophrenia.
Ran
M S
MS
Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China. ranmaosh@yahoo.com
Chan
C L W
CL
Chen
E Y H
EY
Xiang
M Z
MZ
Caine
E D
ED
Conwell
Y
Y
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000453:epidemiology*