Poster Abstracts

Abstract

Objective: Immigration is a well-known risk factor for the development of psychosis, but the literature on compliance to treatment (follow-up and medication) in this population is scarce and heterogeneous. The aim of this study is to compare immigrants and non immigrants' retention into treatment 2 years after admission to a First Episode Psychosis Early Intervention Service. Method: This longitudinal prospective study of subjects entering First Episode Psychosis Services in Montreal, Canada, compared retention into treatment of immigrants and non immigrants. Data collection at admission and after one year and 2 years included immigration status (non immigrant, first and second generation immigrants), other sociodemographic characteristics, adherence to medication, symptoms, social and occupational functioning, services use, and attrition rate. Results: Immigrants and non immigrants entering the services had similar symptoms and functioning profile at baseline. Immigrants were more likely to be living with their families and less likely to have a substance use disorder. At 2 years, immigrants were more likely to be lost to follow up compared to non immigrants even when controlling for medication adherence and admission characteristics (sociodemographic, diagnosis, symptoms, occupational and social functioning). Conclusion: First and second generation immigrants are more likely to quit treatment than non immigrants 2 years after a first episode psychosis. Further research is warranted to understand this phenomenon and therefore to develop services adapted to immigrants with first episode psychosis.