Pattern of mental health service use and risk of injury: A longitudinal study

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DOI: 10.4236/ojpm.2012.21014    3,722 Downloads   6,683 Views  Citations

ABSTRACT

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the association between mental health treatment patterns and risk of injuries among a Western Australian male birth cohort. Method: A population-based birth-cohort of males born between 1980 and 1984 in Western Australia was followed up using linked health data. Results: Participants with mental health conditions were at an increased risk of injury. Those with a continuous mental health treatment pattern without interruption or window periods had lower risk of injury compared to those with treatment interruption or window periods. The adjusted incidence rate ratios (95% confidence interval) for injury among participants: 1) without a mental condition, 2) with a previous mental condition, 3) with a mental condition in the last four years and without interruption in their mental health treatment, and 4) with a mental condition in the last four years with interruptions in mental health service, were 0.38 (0.35 - 0.40), 0.77 (0.71 - 083), 1.0 (reference group) and 2.06 (1.72 - 2.47) respectively. Conclusion: Increasing resources for mental health services and enabling sufficient continuous mental health services and follow-up may reduce the risk of injury among populations with mental health conditions.

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Liang, W. and Chikritzhs, T. (2012) Pattern of mental health service use and risk of injury: A longitudinal study. Open Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2, 98-104. doi: 10.4236/ojpm.2012.21014.

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