| Publication Abstract Display | | Type: Published Abstract | | Title: Work-related abilities in Schizophrenia and HIV: a demographically-matched comparison. | | Authors: Twamley EW, Sadek JR, Narvaez JM, Heaton RK, Jeste DV, Bentley H, Rivera Mindt M, Grant I, and the HNRC Group | | Year: 2004 | | Publication: Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society | | Volume: 10 Issue: Suppl S1 Pages: 151 | | Abstract:Using a standardized vocational assessment (COMPASS), we examined
vocational abilities in previously employed, but currently unemployed
subjects with either schizophrenia (n=23) or HIV infection (n=23). We
compared the two groups on COMPASS estimates of current levels of
vocational abilities (performance on standardized work samples) and
highest previous level of vocational abilities (based on Department of
Labor classifications of their previous jobs). Groups were comparable
in age (mean=49 years), education (mean=12 years), gender (72% men),
and ethnic minority status (28% minorities). Both groups demonstrated
lower vocational abilities than would be expected based on their prior
work histories; these discrepancies were equivalent for the two groups
(p=.822). However, the schizophrenia sample had lower estimates of
previous job functioning (p=.010) and somewhat lower current voca-
tional abilities (p=.125). An estimation algorithm suggested that, given
their current performance, the HIV+ group could perform an average
of 6.3% of the jobs in the national economy, whereas the subjects with
schizophrenia group could perform only 1.7% of these jobs. These re-
sults are consistent with the neurodevelopmental nature of schizophre-
nia as well as acquired cognitive and vocational dysfunction in both
schizophrenia and HIV. |
return to publications listing
|