Criminal behavior among persons with schizophrenia in rural China.

OBJECTIVE

This study is to explore the prevalence and risk factors for self-reported criminal behavior among persons with schizophrenia in rural China.

METHODS

We used data from a 14-year prospective follow-up study (1994-2008) of criminal behavior among a cohort (N=510) of persons with schizophrenia in Xinjin County, China.

RESULTS

The rate of criminal behavior was 10.0% among persons with schizophrenia in a rural community during the follow-up period. Bivariate analyses showed that the risk of criminal behavior was significantly associated with being male, unmarried, previous violent behavior, homelessness, no family caregivers, and high scores on measures of total symptoms of illness. In multivariate logistic regression analyses being male and previous violent behavior were identified as independent predictors of increased criminal behavior in persons with schizophrenia in the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Criminal behavior is a common phenomenon among patients with schizophrenia in rural China. The findings of the risk factors for criminal behavior should be considered in planning mental health interventions for high-risk patients and their families.