Psychiatric disorder in a South African general hospital. Prevalence in medical, surgical, and gynecological wards.
The aim was to elicit the individual and comparative prevalence of psychiatric disorder in medical, surgical, and gynecological wards in a South African hospital comprising a predominantly Third World patient population. Results indicated that 21%, 95% confidence interval (16;26) of the total sample of 230 patients had a DSM-III-R psychiatric disorder. Fifty-six percent had a diagnosis of substance dependence and 33% were found to have depressive disorders. Comparative analysis between disciplines indicated that the highest prevalence was in surgical wards. There was a statistically significant difference between the sexes. The variables associated with the presence of a psychiatric disorder and implications for better recognition and treatment are discussed.
Nair
M G
MG
Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Natal, Congella, South Africa.
Pillay
S S
SS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015897:Comorbidity; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D006769:Hospitals, General / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008875:Middle Aged; D009775:Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D013503:Surgery Department, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data