Final answer:
The incidence of schizophrenia is higher in lower socioeconomic groups compared to higher socioeconomic groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ratio of the incidence of schizophrenia in members of lower socioeconomic groups compared to higher socioeconomic groups can vary depending on the specific population being studied. However, research has consistently shown that individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds have a higher risk of developing schizophrenia compared to those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds.
A study conducted by Tienari and colleagues in 2004 found that adoptees with biological mothers who had schizophrenia and were raised in a disturbed family environment were more likely to develop schizophrenia compared to other groups in the study. The incidence of schizophrenia was higher in this group, indicating a higher risk.
Additionally, data from Winkleby and her research associates in 1992 showed that a person's socioeconomic status is one of the strongest predictors of their morbidity and mortality experience. This finding extends across various diseases, including schizophrenia, and persists throughout the lifespan.