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. 2020 Sep 25:26:1526.
doi: 10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v26i0.1526. eCollection 2020.

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

Ani Anic  1   2 , Lesley J Robertson  1   3
Affiliations

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

Ani Anic et al. S Afr J Psychiatr. .

Abstract

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.

Keywords: AUDIT; DUDIT; Helen Joseph Hospital; mental disorders; substance use.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no financial or personal relationships that may have inappropriately influenced them in writing this article.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Psychiatric symptoms on admission.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Clinical psychiatric diagnosis on discharge.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Percentage of sample in each alcohol use disorders identification test and drug use disorders identification test category.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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