Prevalence and factors associated with relapse and long hospital stay among adult psychiatric patients with a history of childhood trauma.

This cross-sectional multicentre-based study determined the magnitude of relapse, long hospital stay and factors of mental illness associated with a history of childhood trauma. We assessed 335 adult psychiatric patients and living in conflict areas, using a questionnaire established from items of the Adverse Childhood Experience International Questionnaire, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Rosenberg Self-esteem Questionnaire, Relapse Assessment Tool, and Self-report of hospital stay. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine associations between predictors and relapse and long hospital stay. 298 participants (88.9%) had experienced childhood adversities, among which 44.4% reported more than five childhood traumas. Relapse occurred in 40.9% of participants, whereas long hospital stay occurred in 71.1% of cases. Predictors of long hospital stay were emotional abuse, substance use and living in rural settings. Being an employed and experiencing a childhood trauma committed by a parent increase the likelihood risk of relapse of mental illness associated with childhood trauma. Being treated by childhood trauma-focused interventions decreases the risk of relapse and shorter the length of hospital stay. Building a mental health capacity should be centered on detecting patients with childhood trauma committed by the parent, those with low-self esteem, and victims of emotional abuse.

Mental health in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a post-crisis country challenge.

The delivery of mental healthcare in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), formerly Zaire, is influenced by geography, politics, legislation and the structure of the health system, as well as traditional beliefs and culture.