Abstract
This study describes the characteristics of Pacific Island patients admitted to the Auckland Regional Forensic Psychiatry Service, at Mason Clinic, the largest of five forensic hospitals in New Zealand. Sixty-nine Pacific Island patients admitted over a 9-year period (2009--2017) are described in terms of their sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, access to community mental health care prior to arrest, and their legal history. The majority were men, born in New Zealand, who were single, with poor educational achievement, unemployed, with minimal religious and cultural affiliations, and still living with family prior to the index offense. Almost all had a major psychotic illness, with a mean duration of untreated psychosis of 2.5 years. Most used alcohol and cannabis, and almost half used methamphetamine. The majority of index offenses were violent in nature. These findings identified a disadvantaged and vulnerable group with multiple diagnoses and limited access to mental health services. Culture is fundamental to the causes, course, and care of mental illness. The design and delivery of services that are responsive to the mental health needs of this culturally diverse group may lead to better health outcomes and reduced inequities.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: The journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.