Exploring the Risk Factors for Schizophrenia in Afro-Caribbeans in the United States: A Meta-Synthesis

Aim: This meta-synthesis explores the potential for schizophrenia in at risk Afro-Caribbeans living in the
United States U.S. Background: African Americans are diagnosed with schizophrenia 9 to 32 more than
Caucasians. However, this percentage does not distinguish the percentage of schizophrenia in Afro-
Caribbeans from the Afro-Caribbean population. Extensive studies conducted in the United Kingdom
U.K. reported higher rates of schizophrenia in Caribbean Blacks in Britain when compared to White British citizens. However, there is a paucity of information about schizophrenia in Caribbean Blacks
living in the U.S. Method: A review of literature conducted between 1990 and 2014, using a qualitative
approach, identified four journal articles; the results of which were analyzed with the aid of NVivo
software, using thematic synthesis. Results: The analysis identified six themes; racism and drug use
were themes consistent with those identified in some of the primary studies. However, four new themes
emerged: Effects of migration; disintegration of family; powerlessness and a rush to
diagnose; all were acknowledged as significant factors that may have contributed to the onset of
schizophrenia.Discussion: The themes unveiled by this review exposed a number of complex
sociopolitical and economic factors that can possibly potentiate schizophrenia. However, these studies
were the experiences of Afro-Caribbeans in the U.K. There is a great need for research in the U.S. to
further explore the risk factors for schizophrenia in Afro- Caribbean communities.