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Studies of the 2-3% of persons who identify as homosexual found men but not women had more older brothers than persons who identify as heterosexual. The present study investigated the birth order in the approximately 20% of men and women who anonymously report some homosexual feelings, few of whom identify as homosexual. The number of older brothers and sisters was investigated in seven cohorts: 319 male twins; and 49. 54, and 61 female and 66, 116, and 50 male medical students. Both women and men who anonymously reported homosexual feelings had a greater mean number of older brothers and sisters than did those who reported no homosexual feelings. The difference was stronger in relation to brothers than sisters. The birth order effect was not related to the strength of the subjects' degree of homosexual compared with heterosexual feelings. Its presence in women could not be accounted for by the widely accepted hypothesis that the birth order effect is due to a maternal immune reaction provoked only by male fetuses. The lack of relationship between the strength of the effect and degree of homosexual feelings in the men and women suggests the influence of birth order on homosexual feelings was not due to a biological, but a social process in the subjects studied. Investigating the neglected significant percentage of predominantly heterosexual men and women who anonymously report some homosexual feelings may aid in understanding the factors influencing sexual orientation, and identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are high prevalence rates of schizophrenia among people who are homeless. Whether the prevalence has increased over the past two decades remains unclear. Aims: To assess the prevalence of schizophrenia among people who use refuges for the homeless, and to compare the current prevalence to prevalence rates in the same refuges since 1983. Method: Two hundred and ten homeless men and women residing at or visiting the seven largest refuges in inner-Sydney were screened for possible psychosis. Persons who screened positive for psychosis were referred to the psychiatrist for diagnosis of possible or definite schizophrenia. The BPRS-E (expanded Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale) was completed for all participants with possible or definite schizophrenia. Results: The prevalence rate for possible or definite schizophrenia among the men was 23% to 30%. This compares to 16% in 1983 and 26% in 1988. The current prevalence for women was 46% to 50%, which compares to 33% in 1989; a difference which is not significant. The majority of participants with schizophrenia were scored as having 'non-pathological symptoms' on the BPRS/E. Conclusions: The prevalence of schizophrenia has remained relatively stable over the past two decades despite deinstitutionalisation continuing over the same period. Declaration of interest: Tracey Hodder was salaried by a research grant from a combined fund of Sydney City Mission, Society of St Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army, Wesley Mission and the Haymarket Foundation, and from the Centre for Mental Health, New South Wales, Department of Health. No other funds were assigned to the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes alcohol and drug-use disorders among 210 homeless people in Australia, and compares the Australian findings with the international literature. While the prevalence of alcohol-use disorders among people who are homeless in Australia is comparable with other international studies, drug-use disorders appear to be more prevalent among Australian homeless than comparable international studies. Reasons for this difference are explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses homosexuality, suicide, and parasuicide in Australia. Epidemiology of suicide; Terminology and epidemiology of parasuicide; Relationship between parasuicide and male homosexuality.