Needs of Patients with Schizophrenia Among an Ethnic Minority Group in Latin America

The aim of the study is to describe the need profile of outpatients with schizophrenia belonging to an Aymara ethnic group in Latin-America and to compare that profile to non-Aymara patients. A sample of 253 patients were evaluated with the Two-Way Communication Checklist (2-COM Checklist) measuring the needs and satisfaction of the patient; Positive and Negative Syndrome scale for Schizophrenia (PANSS) and Attitude to the Drugs (DAI-10). No significant differences were found between Aymara and non-Aymara, either in the total number of needs or in the subscales of satisfaction or in the types of needs. After adjustment for socio-demographic and clinical factors, patients with higher severity (PANSS) had higher number of needs and lower level of satisfaction. Higher score on DAI-10 is related to a higher total number of needs and better satisfaction with medication. Age, sex, ethnicity and employment were also associated with specific needs. The profile of the needs of schizophrenic Aymara patients does not differ from that of non-Aymara patients, and that in both groups it is necessary that the treatment primarily address symptom management and the subjective aspects of quality of life.