PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS' CHARACTERISTICS AND HOSPITAL READMISSION.
Item
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Title
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PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS' CHARACTERISTICS AND HOSPITAL READMISSION.
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Identifier
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AAI8302499
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identifier
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8302499
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Creator
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CRESPO, OLIVER MANUEL.
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Contributor
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Harold Wilensky
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Date
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1982
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Psychology, Clinical
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Abstract
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Since the introduction of psychotropic medication in the mid 1950's, there has been a rapid decrease in the population of psychiatric patients in state hospitals. There has also been a decrease in the hospital stays, as well as shorter community stays.;This study investigated the relationship between patients' characteristics and the likelihood of remaining in the community. The age at first hospital admission, precipitating factors, social relations, and number of hospitalizations were hypothesized to be directly related to prolonging community stay.;The sample consisted of patients aged 18 to 60 with history of readmission to Manhattan Psychiatric Center between the years 1960-81, and diagnosed as schizophrenic or affective psychosis. The ethnic composition was 48% blacks, 30% hispanics, and 22% white.;The sample was divided into three groups. The Short Community Stay Group (40) consisted of patients who remained in the community for a period of three months or less; the Intermediate Group (40) were patients who remained in the community for a period of six months and up to one year; and the In Community Group (15) were patients who remained in the community for a period of five years or more.;The Intermediate Group in comparison with the Short Community Stay Group yielded differences in 20 of the 35 variables consistent with the hypotheses. The Short Community Stay Group functioned at a lower level in the clinical, social, and personal variables. In comparing the In Community Group with the Short Community Stay Group, similar differences were yielded. When the In Community and Intermediate Groups were compared, there were fewer differences among the demographic and personal variables. The In Community Group revealed higher levels of functioning among social and clinical variables.;In summary, the Short Community Stay Group exhibited the most deteriorated picture (socially and clinically). Age at first admission and behavior during hospitalizations were important factors in determining community readjustment. The In Community Group had the highest level of social functioning and support networks (friends, family, out-patient clinic) which were contributing factors in remaining in the community for prolonged periods of time.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
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Program
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Psychology
