Social-demographic correlates and physical illness among inpatients with schizophrenia at mathari Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

This was a cross sectional descriptive study carried out at Mathari Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya. The objective was to describe the social-demographic characteristics and physical illness among inpatients with schizophrenia. A total of two hundred and twenty four patients (137 male and 87 female) were included in the study. Patients who met the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) were assessed using the Adult Personal Data Inventory. Physical complaints were noted and previous medical history was obtained from the case notes. Statistical analysis was done using the Chi-square tests. Most of the patients were young (mean age = 34.62, s.d. = 11.5), came from low socio-economic background and previously worked as unskilled labourers or were unemployed. Thirty-four (15.2%) of the patients had a medical diagnosis. Of these 18 (53%) had an infective condition. Respiratory infection especially pulmonary tuberculosis was commonly encountered. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection was also common. The females had a higher percentage of physical morbidity 19.5% compared to the males 12.4%. History of suicide attempt was recorded in 33 (14.7%) of the patients. the patients with schizophrenia seen at Mathari hospital are young and socio-economically disadvantaged. A significant proportion (15.2%) of the patients has medical conditions that are treatable. These factors should be taken into account when planning treatment and rehabilitation services for the patients.