Gender differences in sociodemographic and clinical characteristic and the quality of life of Chinese schizophrenia patients.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to determine the sociodemographic and clinical correlates of the gender of Chinese schizophrenia outpatients and their impact on patients quality of life (QOL).


METHODS
Two hundred and fifty-five clinically stable schizophrenia outpatients were randomly selected in Hong Kong. Counterparts matched according to gender, age, age at onset, and length of illness were recruited in Beijing, China. All of the subjects at both sites were interviewed by the same investigator using standardized assessment instruments.


RESULTS
The combined Beijing-Hong Kong sample contained 251 male and 254 female patients. On univariate analysis more male patients were employed, they had a significantly higher monthly income, and took higher doses of antipsychotic drugs. No difference was found, however, in any of the QOL domains between the genders. On multivariate analysis being employed, taking a higher dose of antipsychotic drugs, having more severe extrapyramidal side-effects, and a higher score on the physical domain of QOL were independently associated with male gender.


CONCLUSIONS
Female gender is independently associated with lower scores on the physical aspects of QOL, but there is no difference between the genders in the psychological, social and environmental aspects.
Xiang
Yu-Tao
YT
Department of Psychiatry, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Ground Floor, Multicentre Building, Tai Po Hospital, Tai Po, NT, Hong Kong. xyutly@cuhk.edu.hk
Weng
Yong-Zhen
YZ
Leung
Chi-Ming
CM
Tang
Wai-Kwong
WK
Chan
Sandra S M
SS
Wang
Chuan-Yue
CY
Han
Bai
B
Ungvari
Gabor S
GS
D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D044466:Asian People / Q000523:psychology; D001480:Basal Ganglia Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000503:physiopathology; D002681:China; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010045:Outpatients / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents