Social factors and first onset schizophrenia among Asians and whites

Previous studies from the Indian subcontinent had suggested that the onset and outcome of schizophrenia is linked with social factors. We set out to s tudy the inception rates and social factors in whites and Asians who were p resenting for the first time ever to various catchment facilities in Ealing catchment area. A total of 62 cases (38 white and 24 Asians) were diagnose d as having schizophrenia. Using well established and previously Validated standardised instruments we collected information on various social factors and inception rates of schizophrenia. The inception rates and social facto rs were largely similar in these two groups. By and large the social factor s in the two groups were broadly similar except that Asians were significan tly more likely to show increased religious activity compared with their wh ite counterparts. Contrary to previous findings Asians were more likely to have had longer duration of symptoms prior to seeking help. These findings are discussed in relation to Asian support systems and suggestions made for future research.