Comparison of inpatients with comorbid mental health disorders and alcohol- and other-substance-use disorders within general hospitals and psychiatric hospitals in NSW, Australia

Abstract

Aim: To explore the association of mental health disorders and alcohol- and other-substance-use disorders within general hospitals and psychiatric hospitals in NSW.Method: The data were extracted from the NSW Department of Health Inpatient Statistics Data Collection for the period from 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2007. Statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Analysis System.Results: Of the 1,814,830 admissions, 1,808,095 were in general hospitals (45.7% males, 54.3% females) and 6716 in psychiatric hospitals (60.8% males, 39.2% females). Most admissions were within age groups 20–29 and 30–39 years. Comorbidity rates in psychiatric hospitals were double those of general hospitals (9.5% in general hospitals, 19.7% in psychiatric hospitals). The highest comorbidity rate for males was in age group 30–39 (18.8% in general hospitals, 25.1% in psychiatric hospitals). For females the highest comorbidity rate was in 40–49 years age group in general hospitals (13.3%) and 30–39 years age group in psychiatric hospitals (20.9%).Conclusion: Addressing comorbidity of mental health disorders and alcohol- and other-substance-use disorders in both general hospitals and psychiatric hospitals has important clinical implications for both prevention and treatment. This first investigation of its kind provides important information for policymakers to plan adequate policies and interventions targeting these comorbid patients.