Prevalence and clinical correlates of substance use amongst acute psychiatric inpatients in Gauteng, South Africa

Background: Mental disorders and substance use disorders (SUD) commonly occur together, impacting healthcare outcomes. The diagnosis of substance use is often inadequate when comorbidity is present. It is vital to understand the prevalence of substance use amongst psychiatric patients to inform both...

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Main Authors: Ani Anic, Lesley J. Robertson
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: AOSIS 2020-09-01
Series:South African Journal of Psychiatry
Subjects:
Online Access:https://sajp.org.za/index.php/sajp/article/view/1526
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author Ani Anic
Lesley J. Robertson
author_facet Ani Anic
Lesley J. Robertson
author_sort Ani Anic
collection DOAJ
description Background: Mental disorders and substance use disorders (SUD) commonly occur together, impacting healthcare outcomes. The diagnosis of substance use is often inadequate when comorbidity is present. It is vital to understand the prevalence of substance use amongst psychiatric patients to inform both clinical practice and service development in South Africa. Aim: To ascertain the prevalence and clinical correlates of SUD amongst acute psychiatric inpatients. Setting: The setting for this study was Helen Joseph Hospital acute psychiatric ward. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted whereby consecutively admitted patients were invited to participate in a structured clinical interview utilising the alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) and drug use disorders identification test (DUDIT) questionnaires. Statistical comparisons were made between those with and without SUD. Results: Of 150 participants, 100 (67%) were identified with a SUD. Those with SUD were younger (p = 0.0010), more often male (p = 0.012), less likely to have a disability grant (p = 0.015) and more likely to be brought to hospital by police, ambulance or self than by a family member (p = 0.025). Almost half of people with bipolar disorder (47.3%) and schizophrenia (41.4%) had comorbid SUD. Twenty-three (15%) participants identified with SUD on questionnaire had been missed clinically. Only two participants were referred for inpatient substance rehabilitation on discharge. Conclusion: Substance use disorders are highly prevalent amongst psychiatric inpatients. The AUDIT and DUDIT are potentially useful screening tools in routine clinical practice. Greater collaboration between psychiatric and substance rehabilitation services is recommended.
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spelling doaj.art-0b91e5527924432a909324b73935d54a2022-12-22T01:56:16ZengAOSISSouth African Journal of Psychiatry1608-96852078-67862020-09-01260e1e810.4102/sajpsychiatry.v26i0.1526505Prevalence and clinical correlates of substance use amongst acute psychiatric inpatients in Gauteng, South AfricaAni Anic0Lesley J. Robertson1Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; and, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, JohannesburgDepartment of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Sedibeng District Health Services, VanderbijlparkBackground: Mental disorders and substance use disorders (SUD) commonly occur together, impacting healthcare outcomes. The diagnosis of substance use is often inadequate when comorbidity is present. It is vital to understand the prevalence of substance use amongst psychiatric patients to inform both clinical practice and service development in South Africa. Aim: To ascertain the prevalence and clinical correlates of SUD amongst acute psychiatric inpatients. Setting: The setting for this study was Helen Joseph Hospital acute psychiatric ward. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted whereby consecutively admitted patients were invited to participate in a structured clinical interview utilising the alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) and drug use disorders identification test (DUDIT) questionnaires. Statistical comparisons were made between those with and without SUD. Results: Of 150 participants, 100 (67%) were identified with a SUD. Those with SUD were younger (p = 0.0010), more often male (p = 0.012), less likely to have a disability grant (p = 0.015) and more likely to be brought to hospital by police, ambulance or self than by a family member (p = 0.025). Almost half of people with bipolar disorder (47.3%) and schizophrenia (41.4%) had comorbid SUD. Twenty-three (15%) participants identified with SUD on questionnaire had been missed clinically. Only two participants were referred for inpatient substance rehabilitation on discharge. Conclusion: Substance use disorders are highly prevalent amongst psychiatric inpatients. The AUDIT and DUDIT are potentially useful screening tools in routine clinical practice. Greater collaboration between psychiatric and substance rehabilitation services is recommended.https://sajp.org.za/index.php/sajp/article/view/1526substance useauditdudithelen joseph hospitalmental disorders
spellingShingle Ani Anic
Lesley J. Robertson
Prevalence and clinical correlates of substance use amongst acute psychiatric inpatients in Gauteng, South Africa
South African Journal of Psychiatry
substance use
audit
dudit
helen joseph hospital
mental disorders
title Prevalence and clinical correlates of substance use amongst acute psychiatric inpatients in Gauteng, South Africa
title_full Prevalence and clinical correlates of substance use amongst acute psychiatric inpatients in Gauteng, South Africa
title_fullStr Prevalence and clinical correlates of substance use amongst acute psychiatric inpatients in Gauteng, South Africa
title_full_unstemmed Prevalence and clinical correlates of substance use amongst acute psychiatric inpatients in Gauteng, South Africa
title_short Prevalence and clinical correlates of substance use amongst acute psychiatric inpatients in Gauteng, South Africa
title_sort prevalence and clinical correlates of substance use amongst acute psychiatric inpatients in gauteng south africa
topic substance use
audit
dudit
helen joseph hospital
mental disorders
url https://sajp.org.za/index.php/sajp/article/view/1526
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