An Analysis of Admissions to a Refugee Child Mental Health Unit in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background To examine the admissions to a refugee child outpatient mental health unit in the COVID-19 pandemic and to compare them with the pre-pandemic period. Methods This retrospective observational study, planned through the hospital information system and patient files, included the 1-year number of outpatient unit admissions, sociodemographic, and clinical data. Results Before the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2019–February 2020), a total of 2322 patients (local and refugee) applied to the same unit, and 236 (10.1%) of these patients were refugees. Since the commencement of the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey (March 2020–February 2021), 1209 patients applied, and 10.4% ( n = 126) of them were refugees. While 19.66 ± 6.31 refugees applied per month in the pre-pandemic period, this number decreased to 10.50 ± 5.31 during the pandemic period ( p = 0.01). During the pandemic period, there was a significant decrease in the number of female refugee patient admissions. In addition, while admissions for external disorders increased significantly during the pandemic period ( x 2 = 13.99, p = 0.001), admissions for internal disorders decreased significantly ( x 2 = 4.54, p = 0.03). Conclusions The decrease in the mental health unit demands with the pandemic may lead to negative consequences in the long term. To determine mental health and psychological needs of patients during the outbreak will greatly contribute to the pandemic management process.

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Patient Admissions to the Developmental Pediatrics Unit: An Outpatient Clinic in Eastern Turkey

“…In another study, a 50% decrease was reported in admissions to the pediatric psychiatrics outpatient clinic during the pandemic process. 17 , 18 In line with the literature, in our study, the number of admissions to our DPU decreased at a ratio of one-third during the pandemic period.…”

The effect of COVID-19 on the non-COVID health outcomes of crisis-affected peoples: a systematic review

“…Four studies described increased difficulties in accessing care during the pandemic period [ 28 , 32 , 34 , 35 ]. Closures and reduced care affecting TB and HIV care, vaccination campaigns, outpatient and inpatient child health services, psychiatric services, and entire health centres were described in the studies, including interrupted essential medicine supplies [ 28 , 32 , 34 , 35 ].…”

“…Examples were given of decentralising services and prioritising self-care, such as mothers performing mid-upper arm circumference measures to identify malnutrition [ 34 ]. Two studies described remote prescribing, longer prescriptions, and medication delivery [ 32 , 35 ]. Technological adaptations, including telemedicine and WhatsApp communications, were used in some instances to maintain services and overcome information barriers [ 34 , 36 ].…”

“…Four studies described accessibility as a barrier to accessing care [ 29 , 32 , 35 , 36 ]. In Turkey and Uganda, studies described reduced transport and long distances to facilities preventing access to care for refugee patients [ 32 , 35 ].…”

How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect child and adolescent psychiatry outpatient clinic admissions? A single-center, retrospective study

“…In the literature, most studies examined the current mental state of children and adolescents and it was seen that the data in Turkey were mostly related to certain patient groups or settings (emergency admissions, inpatient care) ( Kose et al, 2021 ; Ozbaran et al, 2020 ; Ünver and Perdahlı Fiş, 2021 ). There were studies from Europe evaluating the functioning of the child and adolescent psychiatry outpatient clinics (CAPOC) during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, there were limited studies were showing the functioning of CAPOCs during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the previous year specifically in Turkey.…”