BACKGROUND: Large social networks in patients with severe mental illness have been reported to be associated with a low rate of hospitalisation. We aim to determine whether social network size is related to the likelihood of hospitalisation and the amount of service use. METHOD: As part of a prospective controlled study, baseline interview data for a random sample of one-year prevalent cases with non-organic psychosis were analysed with respect to social network characteristics and service use during a six-month period. RESULTS: The likelihood of hospitalisation decreased with an increase in network size, while the number of services used by patients grew as the social network size increased. CONCLUSIONS: While larger social networks may be associated with a lower likelihood of hospitalization, they may also be related to wider use of non-hospital services.
BACKGROUND: Large social networks in patients with severe mental illness have been reported to be associated with a low rate of hospitalisation. We aim to determine whether social network size is related to the likelihood of hospitalisation and the amount of service use. METHOD: As part of a prospective controlled study, baseline interview data for a random sample of one-year prevalent cases with non-organic psychosis were analysed with respect to social network characteristics and service use during a six-month period. RESULTS: The likelihood of hospitalisation decreased with an increase in network size, while the number of services used by patients grew as the social network size increased. CONCLUSIONS: While larger social networks may be associated with a lower likelihood of hospitalization, they may also be related to wider use of non-hospital services.