RESUMEN
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.