A study of sample attrition in follow up of schizophrenia.

This paper examines attrition in a sample of 96 schizophrenic patients followed up prospectively for a period of four years. The characteristics of 25 patients who were totally lost for the study are discussed. Among those followed up, two groups were identified based on regularity of attendance to the OPD. It was found that it was primarily the clinical course which determined regularity, most of those who were irregular having a more favourable course and outcome. The importance of studying sample attrition in long term follow up of schizophrenic patients is stressed especially with reference to the continued use of psychiatric facilities.