Psychiatry
http://hdl.handle.net/2263/3190
2024-03-28T11:38:40ZReadmission of adolescent psychiatric patients to a specialised unit in Gauteng, South Africa
http://hdl.handle.net/2263/95412
Readmission of adolescent psychiatric patients to a specialised unit in Gauteng, South Africa
Brown, Sarah-Anne; Moeketsi, Tshepiso D.; Musekiwa, Alfred; Moodley, Saiendhra Vasudevan
BACKGROUND : Readmission rates to child and adolescent psychiatric units among the youth
have been reported to be increasing.
AIM : The study aimed to determine the readmission rate and factors associated with
readmission of adolescent psychiatric patients at a child and adolescent psychiatric unit.
SETTING : A specialised psychiatric hospital in Gauteng province, South Africa.
METHODS : This retrospective cohort study utilised data from the records of patients admitted to
the adolescent inpatient unit over a period of five years. The cumulative incidence and incidence
rate of readmission within one year of discharge from the index admission was calculated using
survival analysis methods. Characteristics significantly associated with readmission were
determined by applying the multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model.
RESULTS : Among the 189 patients included in the analysis, the cumulative incidence of
readmission within one year of discharge was 17.5%. The incidence rate was 5.31 readmissions
per 10 000 person-days. The final multivariable model showed that a diagnosis of schizophrenia
(p = 0.015), a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (p = 0.039), and coming from
a child and youth care centre or temporary safe care (p = 0.018) increased the risk of readmission
while having a medical condition (p = 0.008) reduced the risk.
CONCLUSION : Psychiatric diagnosis and residential care could be potential risk markers for
readmission. Improving the collaboration between health and social services in residential
care would be beneficial.
CONTRIBUTION : Identifying factors that predispose adolescent psychiatric patients to
readmission can inform and improve management and risk assessments.
DATA AVAILABILITY : The data is available on reasonable request from the
corresponding author S.B.
2023-07-27T00:00:00ZFactors affecting readmission of adolescent mental healthcare users to a psychiatric hospital
http://hdl.handle.net/2263/95411
Factors affecting readmission of adolescent mental healthcare users to a psychiatric hospital
Eichstadt, Stephanie A.; Chetty, Shren; Magagula, T.G.; Swart, Xan
BACKGROUND : Adolescent mental illness is increasing worldwide, leading to more admissions
to psychiatric institutions. Many adolescents may require multiple readmissions, which is
disruptive to their holistic well-being and costly for the healthcare sector. Identifying especially
modifiable risk factors for readmission remains an important step in providing potential areas
for improving patient care.
AIM : This study investigated the risk factors associated with the readmission of adolescent
mental healthcare users to a specialist psychiatric unit.
SETTING : The specialist adolescent unit at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital.
METHODS : In this retrospective study, the clinical files of 345 adolescents admitted between
2015 and 2019 were reviewed. The primary outcome variable was readmission, that is, whether
a patient was readmitted to Weskoppies Hospital (n = 98) compared to those with no recorded
readmission (n = 247).
RESULTS : Readmitted adolescents were significantly younger on first admission compared to
the non-readmitted group (13.46 vs 14.26, p = 0.016). Bivariate analysis showed that the
readmitted group had a much higher rate of non-adherence to treatment (38.1% vs 10.5%,
p = < 0.001). Patients with a family history of mental illness had a significantly higher risk of
readmission (52.2% vs 37.5%, p = 0.015).
CONCLUSIONS : Adolescents were more likely to be readmitted if they had first admission at a
younger age, a family history of mental illness or non-adherence to treatment.
CONTRIBUTION : Identifying especially modifiable risk factors for readmission of adolescents to
improve patient care, particularly in the South African context where there is a paucity of
research on this topic.
DATA AVAILABILITY : The data that support the findings of this study are not
openly available because of being confidential human data.
The data are available from the corresponding author, S.A.E.,
upon reasonable request.
2023-11-15T00:00:00ZAttitudes of medical students regarding legalisation of cannabis and cannabis-education
http://hdl.handle.net/2263/95410
Attitudes of medical students regarding legalisation of cannabis and cannabis-education
Eiselen, Evan; Naidu, Kalai; Viljoen, Maryn
BACKGROUND : Recreational and medicinal use of cannabis is topical in the light of more
permissive legislation regarding the substance worldwide.
AIM : The primary purpose of this study is to determine the attitudes that final-year medical
students at the University of Pretoria (UP) hold about recreational and medicinal use of
cannabis, as well as determining if they feel they are being adequately trained in this regard.
SETTING : The research was conducted at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital, affiliated with
the UP.
METHODS : The study follows a cross-sectional, comparative, quantitative design. Data were
collected by means of a structured questionnaire. Final-year medical students were identified
as participants via a convenience sampling technique. Participation was voluntary and
anonymous.
RESULTS : A total of 57 valid responses were recorded. The study shows that most medical
students had permissive views about cannabis and that the majority feel that they are not
being adequately trained to advise patients about medical cannabis in a lecture setting
(64.9%, n = 37) or clinical setting (68.4%, n = 38). Results also show that previous personal
experience with cannabis led to more permissive views.
CONCLUSION : This study illustrates the need for academic research regarding medicinal
cannabis but interestingly shows that medical students want more guidance from their training
institution about the topic.
CONTRIBUTION : This research shows that the conversation surrounding cannabis in medicine
is continuous and universities should make a conscious effort to familiarise students with
the topic.
DATA AVAILABILITY : The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings
of this study are available within the article.
2023-11-07T00:00:00ZPathophysiological aspects of exposure to dampness-associated indoor mould and mycotoxins : a mini-overview
http://hdl.handle.net/2263/95331
Pathophysiological aspects of exposure to dampness-associated indoor mould and mycotoxins : a mini-overview
Viljoen, Margaretha; Claassen, Nicolaas
Indoor mould growth presents a potential health risk. The aim of this writing is to provide an overview on the pathophysiological aspects of exposure to dampness-associated indoor mould and mycotoxins. The paper briefly deals with the host’s defence against mould invasion; mechanisms by which moulds can override the host’s de- fence mechanisms; potential adverse health effects posed by moulds, as well as symptoms and disorders associated with exposure to indoor moulds, including respiratory disorders, and non-respiratory disorders. References to re- cent in-depth reviews on specific aspects of the subject are provided. The prominent role of the inflammatory response, both as a defence mechanism against mould invasion and as the basis for mould-associated pathology is pointed out.
2023-02-01T00:00:00Z