Factors influencing the length of stay in the psychiatric unit of a Ghanaian teaching hospital: a retrospective study.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The psychiatric length of stay (LOS) in community-based hospital facilities in sub-Saharan Africa reflects the quality of service delivery and the presence of resource challenges. This study aimed to determine the average LOS and identify factors associated with prolonged LOS in the psychiatric unit of a Ghanaian teaching hospital.

Methods

The study analysed 1143 hospital discharge records of psychiatric inpatients at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Psychiatric Unit from January 2016 to October 2020. LOS greater than the median of 10 days was classified as prolonged. We performed multivariable logistic regression to determine factors associated with prolonged LOS.

Results

The mean LOS was 12 days, and the median LOS was 10 days. Bipolar and related disorders (a

SUBMITTER: Wemakor S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12378297 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature