IMPACT OF FAMILIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISK FACTORS ON AGE OF ONSET OF SCHIZOPHRENIA

Abstract

Objectives: To determines impact of familial risk factor i.e. positive family history of schizophrenia on age of onset of schizophrenia. 2. To determine impact of environmental risk factor i.e. substance misuse on age of onset of schizophrenia. Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional analytical study, 430 patients were enrolled from Sarhad Hospital for Psychiatric Diseases Peshawar through convenience non probability sampling technique. First Data was dichotomized on the basis of positive and negative family history of schizophrenia and later on the basis of positive and negative history of substance misuse. Frequency and percentage were calculated for categorical variable while mean and standard deviation for continuous variables. Independent-samples T test was used to compare means of two independent variables. Results: The mean age of onset of schizophrenia is 22.28 years with early onset in males than females. In those with familial schizophrenia, the mean ages of onset of schizophrenia in males and females are 22.35 and 22.05 years while in those with sporadic cases, the mean age of onset of schizophrenia in males and females are 21.83 and 25.43 years respectively. Moreover non-tobacco substances and cannabinoids are having statistically significant impact on age of onset of schizophrenia. Conclusion: There is significant gender difference in age at onset of schizophrenia and substance misuse. Family history of schizophrenia eliminates the gender difference in age at onset of schizophrenia. Moreover non-tobacco substances and cannabinoids misuse can cause early onset of schizophrenia.