Psychiatric hospitalizations: a comparison by gender, sociodemographics, clinical profile and postdischarge outcomes

Objective — The objective of this study was to identify differences between men and women hospitalized for psychiatric conditions.

Methods — Men and women with an inpatient psychiatric hospitalization in Ontario, Canada, between 2008 and 2013 (N=95,055) were compared on sociodemographic characteristics, health history, and clinical profiles and on 30-day and 90-day postdischarge readmission, emergency department (ED) visits, self-harm, and death.

Results — Compared with men, women were older and more likely to be educated, to live with a partner, and to report trauma history. Mood disorders were more common among women; psychotic and substance use disorders were more common among men. Postdischarge, there was no difference in either readmission or ED revisits. Compared with men, women had greater risk of self-harm at 30 days (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.04-1.32) and at 90 days (AOR=1.28, CI=1.17-1.39). Death was rare (<1%), with women at lower risk at both 30 days (AOR=.49, CI=.38-.63) and 90 days (AOR=.53, CI=.45-.63).

Conclusions — These data can inform inpatient psychiatric service delivery for both men and women.