THE CAMDEN SCHIZOPHRENIA SURVEYS .2. HIGH PREVALENCE OF SCHIZOPHRENIAIN AN INNER LONDON BOROUGH AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS

Background. Investigation of the geographical distribution of schizoph renia and its relationship to socio-demographic factors is useful for planning services. Method. Individuals with schizophrenia (n=980) were identified by key informants within an inner London borough and point prevalence calculated for broad, Feighner and DSM-III-R schizophrenia . The distribution of cases was tested for significant variation using the Poisson process model. Regression models using the Jarman-8 score and its component variables were tested for their ability to predict the prevalence of schizophrenia. Results. A high point prevalence of s chizophrenia (5.3 per 1000 resident population) was demonstrated. Case distribution showed a marked and significant variation associated wit h socio-demographic factors. The prediction of prevalence was more acc urate for broad than for narrower definitions of schizophrenia; unempl oyment rate performed best. Conclusions. Unemployment rates and Jarman -8 scores may provide crude estimates for resource allocation in plann ing mental health services, highlighting the need for additional servi ces in deprived inner city areas.