Thesis Format
Integrated Article
Degree
Master of Science
Program
Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Supervisor
Anderson, Kelly K.
Abstract
There is currently a lack of information on the prevalence of adolescent admission to adult inpatient psychiatry units and associated impacts. The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence, determinants, and outcomes related to the hospitalization of adolescents aged 12 to 17 years on adult inpatient psychiatry units in Ontario. Using health administrative data, we constructed a cohort of adolescents with an inpatient psychiatric admission between 2007 and 2012. Of the 29,410 admissions over the study period, 30.3% occurred in an adult inpatient psychiatry unit. Older adolescents, males, people living in a rural area, and those with substance-related disorder or non-affective psychotic disorder were more likely to be admitted to an adult unit. Adolescents admitted to adult units were more likely to be discharged against medical advice and had a shorter length of stay. These findings help fill critical gaps in prior literature and have potential policy implications.
Summary for Lay Audience
There is currently a lack of information on the prevalence of adolescent admission to adult inpatient psychiatry units and associated impacts. The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence, determinants, and outcomes related to the hospitalization of adolescents aged 12 to 17 years on adult inpatient psychiatry units in Ontario. Using health administrative data, we constructed a cohort of adolescents with an inpatient psychiatric admission between 2007 and 2012. Of the 29,410 admissions over the study period, 30.3% occurred in an adult inpatient psychiatry unit. Older adolescents, males, people living in a rural area, and those with substance-related disorder or non-affective psychotic disorder were more likely to be admitted to an adult unit. Adolescents admitted to adult units were more likely to be discharged against medical advice and had a shorter length of stay. These findings help fill critical gaps in prior literature and have potential policy implications.
Recommended Citation
McRae, Samantha, "'Such a Scary Place for a Kid': The Impact of Adolescent Hospitalization on Adult Psychiatric Units" (2019). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 6399.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/6399