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First-Contact Incidence Rates of Schizophrenia in Trinidad and One-Year Follow-up

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Dinesh Bhugra ,
Marcel Hilwig ,
Bill Hossein ,
Helene Marceau ,
John Neehall ,
Julian Leff ,
Rosemarie Mallett  and
Geoff Der
Dinesh Bhugra*
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London
Marcel Hilwig
Affiliation:
St Ann's Hospital, Port of Spain, Trinidad
Bill Hossein
Affiliation:
St Ann's Hospital, Port of Spain, Trinidad
Helene Marceau
Affiliation:
General Hospital, San Fernando, Trinidad
John Neehall
Affiliation:
University of West Indies, Port of Spain, Trinidad
Julian Leff
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, London
Rosemarie Mallett
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, London
Geoff Der
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, London
*
Dr Bhugra, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF
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Abstract

Background

Incidence rates of schizophrenia among UK African–Caribbeans have been reported as high. Various explanations including selective migration and genetic vulnerability have been proposed.

Method

In one calendar year, all new cases of psychosis presenting to various psychiatric services in two clearly defined geographical catchment areas in Trinidad – one in the rural south and the other an urban area – were studied. Standardised diagnostic instruments were applied and information collected using WHO screening and measurement instruments.

Results

A total of 56 cases were collected, giving an incidence rate of 2.2/1000 of broad schizophrenia with a rate of 1.6 for S+ schizophrenia.

Conclusion

These rates are similar to those from the WHO study in Honolulu and Aarhus, and much lower than the rates for African–Caribbeans in London. The cases were followed up for one year and the poor outcome rate for schizophrenia was 19%. The findings are discussed in a cross-cultural context and suggestions for future research made.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 169 , Issue 5 , November 1996 , pp. 587 - 592
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1996 

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