Psychosocial factors associated with the risk of developing psychosis in a Mexican general population sample

ABSTRACT

Epidemiological evidence has linked an array of sociodemographic and psychosocial factors with an increased risk of developing psychosis However, research in samples from low- and middle-income countries is still scarce. This study used a Mexican sample to explore (i) sociodemographic and psychosocial differences between individuals who screened positive for Clinical High-Risk for psychosis (CHRpositive group) and those who did not (Non-CHR group), and (ii) sociodemographic and psychosocial factors associated with screening positive for CHR. The sample consisted of 822 individuals from the general population. Findings showed that participants in the CHRpositive group were younger, had a lower educational level, and reported more mental health problems than the Non-CHR group. The CHR-positive group had a greater prevalence of medium/high risk associated with cannabis use, a higher prevalence of adverse experiences as well as higher levels of childhood maltreatment, poorer family functioning, and more COVID-related distress than the Non-CHR group. Findings of multivariate analysis showed that the variables associated with screening positive for CHR were having an unhealthy family functioning, a higher risk associated with cannabis use, a lower level of education, having experienced a major natural disaster, violent or unexpected death of a relative or friend, higher levels of childhood maltreatment, and higher COVID-related distress. An older age was a protective factor for screening positive for CHR. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of examining potential psychosocial contributors to psychosis vulnerability across different sociocultural contexts to delineate risk and protective processes relevant to specific populations and better target preventive intervention efforts.