Lenght of psychiatric hospitalizations: a clinical and socio-demographic characterization

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the clinical, socio-demographic, and therapeutic variables associated with the length of hospitalization in a psychiatric emergency hospital in Buenos Aires City. Method: The present retrospective analytical study included 350 consecutively admited patients aged 18-65, from June 2013 until December 2017 in a public psychiatric hospital in Buenos Aires City. Data collected included socio-demographic, clinical and discharge conditions. Results: Variables that predicted the length of hospitalization were: diagnosis of psychosis, the use of lithium and anticonvulsants, unemployment, no economic autonomy, not have formed a family and have modified the living support group during the hospitalization. Conclusion: The representative of social and economic vulnerability variables were associated with the utilization of psychiatric inpatient beds. Public policies are requested to interrupt the relationship between poverty and mental pathology.