OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that persons with disease onset <25 will reflect a similar profile and that they will differ from their later onset (25-45) counterparts. METHODS: Baseline data from the Schizophrenia Care and Assessment Project (SCAP) (n=1717) were used. Dependent variables were PANSS: (PS), (NS), (GP); MADRS, QLS, GAF, marital status and education. Participants were grouped into four categories: early females (u1;n=424) and expected males (u2; n=843) (age <25); and expected females (u3; n=211) and delayed males (u4; n=239) (age 25-45). Contrast coding was used to test the hypothesis, u1=u2 < u3=u4 . OLS and logistic regression were applied. RESULTS: Directionality of the inequality was supported for NS, QLS, GAF, marital status, and education, i.e., persons with onset <25 had lower scores and were less likely to be married or to have completed high school. Evidence supporting the equality (u1=u2) was observed in the GP and education models only. The equality u3=u4 was partially supported (with the exception of GAF, marital status, and QLS), suggesting that those groups reflected a similar profile. CONCLUSIONS: These analyses reveal that the relationship between age of onset, given gender, is more complex than previously thought. The finding suggest that persons with onset at younger age present a more severe clinical profile than their counterparts, however, these differences could also be due to issues related to disease progression. Future plans include the investigation of course of illness issues and the evaluation of clinical and functional outcomes over time.
Learning Objectives: Attendees will be able to 1)identify key outcomes given onset profile; 2)identify key aspects of contrast coding and its use in hypothesis testing.
Keywords: Mental Health, Outcomes Research
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.