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Although traditional initiation forms a pivotal part of Xhosa culture, it may be a stressful life event for the individual. In this study, 75 Xhosa males diagnosed with schizophrenia were interviewed to examine their perceptions of the role of initiation in the onset and course of their illness. In all, eight patients (10.7%) perceived the initiation rites as a stressful event that had triggered the onset of a psychotic episode, and six (8%) felt it precipitated a relapse. Our findings suggest that initiation rituals may be perceived as a stressful life event influencing the onset and course of schizophrenia. This underlines the importance of understanding the cultural background of patients.

The results from our study support the existence of a seasonal birth pattern in an African schizophrenia population and suggest that avolition/apathy may underpin this seasonal pattern.

The results from our study support the existence of a seasonal birth pattern in an African schizophrenia population and suggest that avolition/apathy may underpin this seasonal pattern.