Naslov
Alcohol abuse as the strongest risk factor for violent offending in patients with paranoid schizophrenia

Autori
Kudumija Slijepčevic, Marija ; Jukić, Vlado ; Novalić, Darko ; Žarković-Palijan, Tija ; Milošević, Milan ; Rosenzweig, Ivana

Izvornik
Croatian medical journal (0353-9504) 55 (2014), 2; 156-162

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
alcohol abuse ; risk factor ; violent offending ; paranoid schizophrenia

Sažetak
Aim was to determine predictive risk factors for violent offending in patients with paranoid schizophrenia in Croatia. The cross-sectional study including male in-patients with paranoid schizophrenia with (N=104) and without (N=102) history of physical violence and violent offending was conducted simultaneously in several hospitals in Croatia during one-year period (2010-2011). Data on their sociodemographic characteristics, duration of untreated illness phase (DUP), alcohol abuse, suicidal behavior, personality features, and insight into illness were collected and compared between groups. Binary logistic regression model was used to determine the predictors of violent offending. Predictors of violent offending were older age, DUP before first contact with psychiatric services, and alcohol abuse. Regression model showed that the strongest positive predictive factor was harmful alcohol use, as determined by AUDIT test (odds ratio 37.01 ; 95% confidence interval 5.20-263.24). Psychopathy, emotional stability, and conscientiousness were significant positive predictive factors, while extroversion, pleasantness, and intellect were significant negative predictive factors for violent offending. CONCLUSION: This study found an association between alcohol abuse and the risk for violent offending in paranoid schizophrenia. We hope that this finding will help improve public and mental health prevention strategies in this vulnerable patient group.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kliničke medicinske znanosti

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