Psychiatric hospitalizations of child-youth population: an epidemiological study of Bahía Blanca city, Argentina

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, there has been an increase in child and adolescent psychiatric consultations. The infant-youth population is a vulnerable group due to the evolutionary moment in which they are. They are the substrate of the impact of family and social crises. It is necessary to know the prevalent disorders, and the epidemiological profile of the population in question, to collaborate with a better understanding of the phenomenon and to m ake appropriate family and individual approaches in the subject. Materials and methods: The number of children and adolescents who used the hospitalization device in the private sector of the city of Bahía Blanca, Argentina, from 2014 to 2016 is described. The medical records of hospitalized patients in the 12 to 19 year age range were analyzed. Results: The target population has an average age of 16 years; Almost 90% of the population is in school; More than 60% have their own home and live with their nuclear family. The reason for admission that demanded more days of hospitalization was Destructive, Impulse Control and Behavior Disorder. The reinternation rate of this study was 31.6%. Conclusion: The intimate relationship of the increasing incidence of mental disorders in the child and adolescent population with the availability of families and  society to contain and care for this vulnerable population is more evident.