Predictors of residential independence among outpatients with schizophrenia

Objective: Many outpatients with schizophrenia receive support or supervision in their place of residence, but the predictors of residential independence are not dearly under-stood. The put-pose of this study was to identify factors that predict the degree of residential independence among outpatients with schizophrenia. Methods: Seventy-two outpatients with schizophrenia were assigned to three groups based on their degree of residential independence. The three groups were compared on three measures of social functioning, on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, and on a battery of neuropsychological tests. Results: Patients' degree of residential independence was related to their frequency of family contact, hygiene skills, relative absence of negative symptoms, and participation in social activities. In a discriminant function analysis, the residential status of 78 percent of the patients was correctly classified. Conclusions: Aspects of social functioning are significantly associated with patients' independent li ting status. Future research is needed to determine how family contact, social activities, and hygiene skills may increase patients' degree of residential independence.