Length of stay of patients hospitalized at a psychiatric hospital

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and the permanence rate, i.e., the ratio between the total number of days in hospital and the total number of admissions, among 114 patients readmitted to a public psychiatric hospital. Methods: Demographic data related to gender, age, marital status, instruction level and color were surveyed in the patients' medical records. Hospital professionals received a questionnaire, asking for data on social aspects related to the occupational situation, reception of financial aid, living with other persons, company when arriving for hospitalization, receiving visits and phone calls during the hospitalization. Results: Statistical analysis showed that female individuals aged 40-49 years, divorced or widowed, black, living with other people and who did not receive any visits while hospitalized stayed longer in hospital. Conclusion: These findings suggest that socio-demographic characteristics are associated with length of stay, indicating the relevance of the social support network for the recovery of patients with a history of recurring admissions.