Predicting models for work outcomes in patients with schizophrenia and its clinical application

Negative symptoms and social function have been known to predict work outcomes in patients with schizophrenia. Recent studies report that specific subdomains of these predictors were particularly important in prediction. The aims of this study were (1) to determine which subdomains of negative symptoms and social function were the most important predictors of work outcomes among patients with schizophrenia, and (2) to use these factors to produce charts to demonstrate the estimated probabilities of workable hours. Data were obtained from 293 patients with schizophrenia. Four separate logistic regression analyses were conducted using psychiatric symptoms, intellectual ability, and social function as independent variables to predict work hours (0, 10, 20, or 30 h per week). The Experiential deficit domain of negative symptoms, comprising of volitional, social, and hedonic deficits, and the Independence-Performance domain including self-care and daily-living skills were significant in most regression models. Charts illustrating the probabilities of the ability to work were produced based on these two predictors. Our study identified specific domains of negative symptoms and social function were relevant to work outcomes in patients with schizophrenia. The charts illustrating the probabilities of workable hours provide objective information about the capacity to work among patients with schizophrenia.