Sociodemographic Characteristics of Patients with Schizophrenia: A Comparative Study with Healthy Controls

Abstract Objective. This study aimed to assess selected sociodemographic characteristics of patients with schizophrenia and compare them with those of a healthy control group, as well as within the group of patients with schizophrenia. Patients and Methods. A retrospective observational study was conducted involving 400 patients with schizophrenia and 200 healthy controls from the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton. The diagnosis of schizophrenia was made according to ICD-10 criteria, and sociodemographic data were obtained through structured interviews. Results. Individuals with schizophrenia are more likely to be older, less educated, unemployed, single, and smokers compared to healthy controls. Among patients with schizophrenia, analyses controlling for age showed that gender was significantly associated with both age of onset and duration of illness, with significant gender-by-age interactions. Marital status was significantly related to age at onset and demonstrated a significant interaction with age in relation to illness duration. Education level was associated with age at onset but not with illness duration. No significant differences in illness onset were found across employment groups. Conclusion. Sociodemographic characteristics are closely associated with key clinical features of schizophrenia, including age at onset and illness duration. These findings highlight the importance of considering gender, marital status, and educational background when interpreting illness trajectories. The results further underscore the need for early intervention strategies, psychoeducation, and integrated social and healthcare support aimed at improving functional outcomes and quality of life for individuals with schizophrenia and their caregivers.