Medical comorbidity among psychiatric patients treated at Jimma University Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia: Retrospective record review

Background

Co-morbidty of physical diseases increase the functional disability and mortality of psychiatric patients. The majority of causes attributed to psychiatric patients mortality are due to various co-morbid medical conditions. Screening and early intervention of these conditions in these froups of patients has paramount importance. However, there are limited studies on the comorbidity of physical and mental disorders among psychiatry patients in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study is meant to provide essential data for future interventions.

Objective

To assess the medical comorbidity among psychiatric patients treated at Jimma University Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia

Methods

A five years retrospective review of hospital records was performed. Data were extracted using a structured template of data extraction on a wide range of potential factors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify associated factors and significance was declared at P-value < 0.05.

Result

A total of 2117 patient charts were reviewed, and the prevalence of comorbid physical illness was 29.1 % with 95 % CI (27.30, 31.10). The most prevalent comorbid physical illnesses were infectious disease (33.9 %) and disease of the genitourinary system (25.3 %). In the multivariate analysis, age greater than 50, history of the previous admission, duration of psychiatric treatment, and anti-depressant significantly associated with medical comorbidity whereas, government employee and substance/psychiatric comorbidity were less likely associated with comorbid physical illness at p < 0.05.

Conclusion

A significant proportion of psychiatric patients suffering from comorbid physical illness. As a result, psychiatric patients need early detection and interventions for medical comorbid conditions.