[Mortality among a cohort of psychiatric patients hospitalized.].
In this study, standardized mortality ratios (SMR - observed deaths/expected deaths) were calculated among a cohort of psychiatric patients hospitalized in Livorno (Italy) in the years 1990-2003. Findings show an excess of deaths due to both natural (SMR=2.37) and non natural (SMR=2.37) causes, with a higher rate of excess mortality in younger patients and in the first years after discharge. A slightly decreasing trend in excess deaths was found from 1990-2003. Better and more timely access to healthcare, aimed at improving physical as well as well as mental health, is warranted in this population.
Serrano
Mario
M
Dipartimento di Salute Mentale, ASL 6 di Livorno.
De Masi
Salvatore
S
Maffei
Carlo
C
Vivaldi
Renzo
R
Pini
Paolo
P
Miccinesi
Guido
G
D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D010351:Patient Discharge