Length of Stay, Admission Types, Psychiatric Diagnoses, and the Implications of Stigma in African Americans in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample

Abstract

African Americans purportedly have a higher prevalence of mental illnesses but are often misdiagnosed and less likely to seek treatment. Delayed treatment has been associated with the stigma related to these disorders. The demographic characteristics, length of stay, most prevalent psychiatric diagnoses, and hospital admissions of African Americans were compared to other U.S. populations using a nationwide sample (N = 4,474,732). African American participants were younger, had significantly longer lengths of stay, and were admitted more often through the emergency room than the other groups in this sample. Psychosis, alcohol/drug dependence, and depressive neurosis were the most prevalent psychiatric diagnoses reported for African American participants. Research is needed to explain these results so that strategies can be instituted to improve the poor mental health outcomes often observed in African American populations.

After discharge from hospital, where do we go? Follow-up of clients with mental illness and/or addiction: 30 days post-acute care.

“…Gagne et al (2006) and Lyons et al (1997) critically examine high costs not only to the health care system, but also to individuals if mental health services are not reformed. Consequently, due to shifts in shorter length of hospital stay and prevention of re-admissions the availability of community follow-up services is recognized as viable treatment options and as such is more critical in discharge planning (Abas et al, 2003;Andrews et al, 2000;Bolden & Wicks, 2005;Daley & Zuckoff, 1999;Hermann & Mattke, 2004;Lechnyr, 1993). between type of diagnostic code, community service, and hospital readmission.…”

“…Presenting an accurate diagnosis is critical for proper care. For example, depression accounts for a large number of hospital admissions, but treatable if diagnosed early (Bolden & Wicks, 2005;Lechnyr, 1993). Most people see their family physician when depressed rather than seek treatment at a hospital.…”

“…Cultural and racial origins influence mental health because coping styles and social supports are culturally determined and also may be linked to issues of racism, discrimination and poverty (Bolden & Wicks, 2005;Government of Canada, 2006). Abe-Kim, Gong, and Takeuchi (2004) discuss the influence of spirituality and religion on help seeking activities for Filipino Americans.…”

“…Most people see their family physician when depressed rather than seek treatment at a hospital. A community mental health centre offers a viable alternative for treatment (Andrews et al, 2000;Bolden & Wicks, 2005).…”

“…Stigma and discrimination against individuals with mental illness and addiction impact a person's ability to maintain housing and jobs as well as seek out necessary services (Bolden & Wicks, 2005). …”