Mortality rate in patients in a long-term psychiatric care facility in Johannesburg

Background: Limited research exists on mortality rates and contributing factors among individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) in long-term psychiatric care, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Aim: To analyse mortality rates and associated factors at Solomon Stix Morewa Mem...

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Main Authors: Mokgokong Mathekga, Nokhutula Mdaka, Mvuyiso Talatala
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: AOSIS 2024-11-01
Series:South African Journal of Psychiatry
Subjects:
Online Access:https://sajp.org.za/index.php/sajp/article/view/2329
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author Mokgokong Mathekga
Nokhutula Mdaka
Mvuyiso Talatala
author_facet Mokgokong Mathekga
Nokhutula Mdaka
Mvuyiso Talatala
author_sort Mokgokong Mathekga
collection DOAJ
description Background: Limited research exists on mortality rates and contributing factors among individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) in long-term psychiatric care, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Aim: To analyse mortality rates and associated factors at Solomon Stix Morewa Memorial Hospital (SSMMH), a long-term psychiatric care facility in Johannesburg, South Africa. Setting: SSMMH, a private facility in Selby Park, Johannesburg, has been contracted by the Gauteng Department of Health since March 2017 to provide inpatient care for SMI patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on records of 406 SMI patients admitted to SSMMH from March 2017 to February 2022. Mortality rates were calculated, and associated factors were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results: Of the 406 participants, 34 (8%) died over five years, yielding a standardised mortality ratio (SMR) of 1.28 (95% CI: 0.85–1.71). Mortality was highest in the 60–69 years age group (SMR 2.7), with most deaths occurring in 2020–2021, likely due to COVID-19. Cardiovascular conditions were the leading cause of death (53%). Age at admission (OR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.55–3.58) and transfer site (OR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.42–0.81) were significant predictors of mortality. Conclusion: Individuals with SMI face elevated mortality rates, with age, diagnosis, and comorbidities as key factors. Contribution: This study provides insights into the comprehensive management of people with SMI to reduce mortality. Further research is needed to guide psychosocial and palliative care approaches.
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2078-6786
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series South African Journal of Psychiatry
spelling doaj-art-21f07e1b1da74643883c7a5aa2ee0db72024-12-03T11:30:51ZengAOSISSouth African Journal of Psychiatry1608-96852078-67862024-11-01300e1e710.4102/sajpsychiatry.v30i0.2329751Mortality rate in patients in a long-term psychiatric care facility in JohannesburgMokgokong Mathekga0Nokhutula Mdaka1Mvuyiso Talatala2Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand JohannesburgDepartment of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand JohannesburgDepartment of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, JohannesburgBackground: Limited research exists on mortality rates and contributing factors among individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) in long-term psychiatric care, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Aim: To analyse mortality rates and associated factors at Solomon Stix Morewa Memorial Hospital (SSMMH), a long-term psychiatric care facility in Johannesburg, South Africa. Setting: SSMMH, a private facility in Selby Park, Johannesburg, has been contracted by the Gauteng Department of Health since March 2017 to provide inpatient care for SMI patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on records of 406 SMI patients admitted to SSMMH from March 2017 to February 2022. Mortality rates were calculated, and associated factors were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results: Of the 406 participants, 34 (8%) died over five years, yielding a standardised mortality ratio (SMR) of 1.28 (95% CI: 0.85–1.71). Mortality was highest in the 60–69 years age group (SMR 2.7), with most deaths occurring in 2020–2021, likely due to COVID-19. Cardiovascular conditions were the leading cause of death (53%). Age at admission (OR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.55–3.58) and transfer site (OR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.42–0.81) were significant predictors of mortality. Conclusion: Individuals with SMI face elevated mortality rates, with age, diagnosis, and comorbidities as key factors. Contribution: This study provides insights into the comprehensive management of people with SMI to reduce mortality. Further research is needed to guide psychosocial and palliative care approaches.https://sajp.org.za/index.php/sajp/article/view/2329long-term care, severe mental illness, mortality, schizophrenia, standardised mortality ratio.
spellingShingle Mokgokong Mathekga
Nokhutula Mdaka
Mvuyiso Talatala
Mortality rate in patients in a long-term psychiatric care facility in Johannesburg
South African Journal of Psychiatry
long-term care, severe mental illness, mortality, schizophrenia, standardised mortality ratio.
title Mortality rate in patients in a long-term psychiatric care facility in Johannesburg
title_full Mortality rate in patients in a long-term psychiatric care facility in Johannesburg
title_fullStr Mortality rate in patients in a long-term psychiatric care facility in Johannesburg
title_full_unstemmed Mortality rate in patients in a long-term psychiatric care facility in Johannesburg
title_short Mortality rate in patients in a long-term psychiatric care facility in Johannesburg
title_sort mortality rate in patients in a long term psychiatric care facility in johannesburg
topic long-term care, severe mental illness, mortality, schizophrenia, standardised mortality ratio.
url https://sajp.org.za/index.php/sajp/article/view/2329
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AT mvuyisotalatala mortalityrateinpatientsinalongtermpsychiatriccarefacilityinjohannesburg