OBJECTIVES: The aims of this analysis were to identify factors associated with early response at 4 weeks of treatment with olanzapine and to assess whether early response is associated with better longer-term outcomes for patients with schizophrenia in China.  METHODS: A post-hoc analysis was conducted using data from the Chinese schizophrenia subgroup (n=330) of a multicountry, 6-month, prospective, observational study of outpatients with schizophrenia/bipolar mania who were initiated or switched to oral olanzapine. Stepwise logistic regression controlling for baseline clinical characteristics, participation in weight education program at baseline, and compliance with antipsychotics over first 4 weeks of olanzapine treatment was used to identify factors associated with early response. Mixed Models Repeated Measures with baseline covariates were used to compare outcomes over time between early responders and early non-responders to olanzapine.  RESULTS: 130 patients (40%) achieved early response. The models revealed that significant factors associated with a higher likelihood of achieving early response were higher CGI-Sevirity score (OR=1.51, 95% CI: 1.15-1.97), fewer years since first diagnosis (OR=0.94, 95% CI: 0.90-0.98), a greater number of social interactions (OR=1.22, 95% CI: 1.05-1.40), participation in a weight education program (OR=1.81, 95% CI: 1.04-3.15) at study entry, and high medication compliance with antipsychotics during the first 4 weeks of treatment (OR=2.98, 95% CI: 1.59-5.58). When compared to early non-responders, early responders achieved a significantly higher endpoint response and significantly greater symptom improvement at end point (CGI-Severity) and a greater improvement in level of functional outcomes (all p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: High levels of compliance to prescribed antipsychotic and participation in a weight education program were associated with early response in schizophrenia patients in China. Early response was associated with greater improvement in symptomatic, functional and quality-of-life outcomes at 6 months compared to early non-response. Current findings are consistent with previous research outside of China.