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Main Article Content
Prevalence and determinants of readmission at a tertiary psychiatric hospital in Zanzibar
Abdallah K. Abdallah
Theresia A. Ottaru
Candida Moshiro
Abstract
Background: Psychiatric readmission is a global concern, leading to poorer clinical outcomes and higher healthcare costs. In Tanzania, where mental health services operate within a resource-constrained health system, repeated psychiatric admissions may place additional pressure on already limited services. However, local evidence on psychiatric readmission remains limited.
Aim: To determine the prevalence of psychiatric readmission and its determinants among psychiatric patients admitted to a tertiary psychiatric hospital in Unguja, Zanzibar.
Setting: A tertiary psychiatric referral hospital in Unguja, Zanzibar, serving patients across Unguja and Pemba islands.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among psychiatric patients 18 years and older admitted between June 2024 and August 2024. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires. Modified Poisson regression with robust error variance was used to identify factors associated with psychiatric readmission.
Results: A total of 311 patients (mean age 36, standard deviation [s.d.] = 11 years; females 52.4%; schizophrenia 32.5%) were enrolled. The prevalence of psychiatric readmission within 3 months was 58.5% (n = 182). Readmission was associated with age group 30–39 years (adjusted prevalence ratio [APR] = 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16–1.84, p-value [ p] = 0.001), schizophrenia (APR = 1.23; CI: 1.00–1.50, p = 0.041), bipolar disorders (APR = 1.69; CI: 1.26–2.26, p < 0.001), higher education (APR = 1.61; CI: 1.16–2.22, p = 0.010), history of physical abuse (APR = 1.49; CI: 1.16–2.22, p < 0.001), and being prescribed both oral and injectable medications (APR = 1.46; CI: 1.37–2.20, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: There is a high psychiatric readmission rate in Zanzibar. Interventions should focus on high-risk groups, particularly middle-aged individuals and those requiring combination treatment to break the cycle of readmission and promote long-term mental health recovery.
Contribution: This study provides evidence on psychiatric readmission in Zanzibar and identifies high-risk groups requiring targeted post-discharge intervention in low-resource psychiatric settings.
