Social factors critical to early mortality for people with schizophrenia
Stigma, lack of social support and unemployment play significant roles in premature mortality in people with schizophrenia according to a study by the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research (QCMHR).
QCMHR lead researcher Dr Suhailah Ali said the world-first study used a systems thinking approach to explore why the schizophrenia mortality gap has not improved despite more than 60 years of research.
“This is the first time this type of approach, which considers problems as interconnected elements to identify effective solutions, has been applied to this particular issue,” Dr Ali said.
“The findings show quality of care is being influenced by stigma from healthcare providers with patients often not receiving the correct treatment and having important diagnoses overlooked, leading to acute illness and potentially reinforcing stigma.
“Improved relationships between healthcare professionals and patients can encourage better self-management, and regular check-ups can lead to earlier detection of risk factors and diseases.”
The study highlights the need for person-centred care alongside social support from family, carers and the community to improve health outcomes for people with schizophrenia.
Dr Ali said access to affordable housing and employment opportunities would go a long way in reducing stigma and improving physical well-being.
“To improve health outcomes for individuals with schizophrenia, collaborative action is needed at a government level to address these issues and ensure the system is set up to consider both healthcare and social factors concurrently.”
Dr Ali added the study combined both quantitative and qualitative evidence and included studies looking at the lived experience of patients.
“Incorporating firsthand experiences into research can enhance the quality and relevance of the findings and their likelihood of improving the well-being of people with schizophrenia.”
Established in 1987, QCMHR is funded by Queensland Health to work state-wide and contribute to the local, national, and global research efforts to improve mental health.
This study has been published in The International Journal of Social Psychiatry. To view an interactive, web-based version of the causal loop diagram (CLD) created for this study, click here.
For further information: Dr Suhailah Ali, Lead Investigator, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Media Contact: Laura Corcoran, Research Communications Officer, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 0414 504 508