Residence, Social Class, and Schizophrenia

Rates offirst hospitalizationforschizophrenia in rural, suburban, and urban areas of Maryland are presented. The central city rate is about three times higher than the rural rate. The age distribution of schizophrenia for the three areas of residence is presented. Hospitalization for schizophrenia occurs at later ages in rural areas than in urban areas. The hypothesis that social class interacts with area of residence in affecting rates of schizophrenia is tested. Occupational status is related to rates of schizophrenia as in past studies (lower classes having higher rates), but the effect is much weaker in rural areas. Educational attainment is related to rates of schizophrenia as in past studies (lower classes having higher rates), and the effect is identical in rural, suburban, and urban areas.