This study aims to examine the impact of sociodemographic variables on childhood adversity, suicide and severity of positive symptoms among patients with schizophrenia.
This research used a descriptive-exploratory design using a cross-sectional approach at two governmental mental health hospitals in Jordan. About 66 participants diagnosed with schizophrenia had been nominated for the study. Data was collected using a structured method of self-administered questionnaires within the period of February to April 2024.
Childhood adversity was significantly associated with participants’ age (r = −0.29, p = 0.01) and hospital (t = 3.7, p = 0.04) and education level (t = −2.33, p = 0.02). For suicidality, it was significant only with the participant’s age (r = 0.3, p = 0.002), number of hospitalizations (r = 0.32, p = 0.007) and education level (U = 241, p = 0.007). Regarding positive symptoms, none of the demographic variables were significant.
The sociodemographic variables should be addressed and considered when dealing with patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, at least for patients experienced childhood adversity and suicide. Future studies should incorporate a broader participant base from various private and royal medical service settings, as well as emergency and outpatient facilities. Furthermore, it is advisable to evaluate with a multidisciplinary team using a longitudinal research design.
This paper justifies the need to study sociodemographic variables with the main research variable, childhood adversity, suicide positive symptoms, with comorbid psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, as well as psychiatric mental health variables.
