J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2013 Mar;52(2):98-107.

Psychosocial Correlates of Length of Stay of Institutionalized Patients with Mental Illness

• Choi JK
• Jang HS
• Lee MS
• Hong JP
• Park JI

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to investigate the correlated factors that may influence the length of stay in mental health related facilities.
METHODS
We chose 2253 patients with mental illness using a stratified multi-stage cluster sampling from 48 psychiatric hospitals, twelve psychiatric clinics, five psychiatric welfare facilities, and five mental rehabilitation facilities. The investigation involved psychiatrists, psychology practitioners, and social workers, and lasted from August 1, 2008 to November 15, 2008. Assessment and investigation of diverse factors was performed using one-way analysis of variance in order to examine their influence on length of stay.
RESULTS
Factors showing significant correlation with length of stay included the types of mental health related facilities, age, marital status, socioeconomic status, type of medical security, familial support, type of admission, diagnosis, age of onset of the illness, number of admissions, severity of psychiatric symptoms, daily living and social function, GAF score, prominent thought/perception disability, memory/orientation disturbance, odd behavior/prominent regression, personal hygiene, communication/personal relationship, management of money, and public transportation/facility utilization.
CONCLUSION
Findings of this study suggest that the type of mental health related facilities and the type of medical security are the most significant factors showing correlation with length of stay.

Keyword

Length of stay; Long-term institutionalization; Type of mental health facility; Type of medical security

MeSH Terms

Age of Onset
Hospitals, Psychiatric
Humans
Hygiene
Length of Stay
Marital Status
Mental Health
Psychiatry
Social Class
Social Workers

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