Mortality among psychiatric inpatients in a tertiary care hospital

ABSTRACT

Background: Mortality rate among psychiatric inpatients is one of the major concern areas which need further explorations. There is a scarcity of research studies related to this particular issue in India. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the mortality rate and its correlates among mentally ill inpatients of a Mental Health Institute of Eastern India. Materials and Methods: The medical records of those psychiatric inpatients (n = 151) who died during their stay at the Mental Health Institute (COE), Sriram Chandra Bhanj Medical College in the past 20 years (April 1998–March 2018) constituted the study population. Results: A total of 151 patients died during their inpatient stay. Out of which, 134 patient case records were traced out. Sociodemographic information about 65 patients (48.50%) could not be obtained as they were rescued (homeless mentally ill patients). Majority of the patients were females (51.49%). Out of 69 inpatients, majority of patients (14.92%) belonged to the age group of 35–44 years, formal education of primary level (27.61%), Hindu religion (44.77%), were married (32.08%), from rural areas (32.08%), and unemployed (26.11%). Majority of patients (69.40%) stayed in indoor for <1 month. In 44% of cases, there was a history of comorbid medical conditions. Respiratory complications (51.49%) were the most common cause of inpatient death. Schizophrenia (22.38%) was the most common diagnosis. In 23.13% of cases, the duration of mental illness was 1–10 years. With progress of years, the death was more in the past 5 years due to more number of admissions of homeless mentally ill patients who have comorbid medical conditions. Conclusion: Due to the increased burden of homeless mentally ill patients, a separate ward should be made for them with special focus on appointment of voluntary social workers or other hospital attendants who can take care of their medical conditions just after the hospitalization due to the absence of caregivers.