A sociodemographic and clinical study of patients admitted to the University Hospital of the West Indies detoxification unit over a three-month period [abstract]

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the patients admitted to the Detoxification Unit for the 3-month period, May 28, 2001 to August 24, 2001, and to identify factors which may influence premature discharge. METHOD: The socio-demographic variables, drug use history, clinical assessment management and clinical of 17 persons admitted during the period under consideration were obtained. Particular attention was paid to group and one-to-one interaction. SPSS was used in data analysis. RESULTS: 94.1 percent (n= 16) were male and 5.9 percent, (n= 1), female. Most were in the 25 to 29-year age group (35.3 percent. n= 6). Most (76.6 percent, n= 13) had Kingston and St. Andrew addresses. Ten (58.8 percent) persons sucessfully completed the 4-week programme; one (5.9 percent) was transferred for medical reasons and 6 (35.3 percent) were discharged prematurely because of infringement of rules. The presence of dual Axis 1 or Axis 2 disorders was not in itself a significant contributory factor in premature discharge, though several of these individuals showed personality deficits; nor was poor schooling with poor literacy skills related. CONCLUSION: Further studies, including case control studies, are required. Patients who may not be suitable for in-patient therapy would be appropriately channelled to close outpatient follow up. (AU)