Gender differences in social functioning in people with schizophrenia in psychosocial rehabilitation services using one-dimensional and multidimensional instruments

Women with schizophrenia have shown better social and clinical functioning than men in several previous studies. The aim of this study was to assess gender differences in social functioning of people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia who are in psychosocial rehabilitation treatment in Catalonia, using several different one-dimensional and multidimensional measures of clinical and social functioning. Gender differences were found only in several daily life activities, in which women showed better functioning: independence-competence (p = 0.006) and independence-performance (p = 0.017). No other differences between genders were observed. Our results clearly suggest that women with schizophrenia undergoing the rehabilitation process could benefit as do men from psychosocial intervention in order to improve social skills and functioning. •Women and men in rehabilitation services performed similarly in psychosocial functioning.•Women performed better only in daily life activities.•Rehabilitation services address needs of people with schizophrenia.