Life-years lost associated with mental illness: a cohort study of beneficiaries of a South African medical insurance scheme.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

People with mental illness have a reduced life expectancy, but the extent of the mortality gap and the contribution of natural and unnatural causes to excess mortality among people with mental illness in South Africa are unknown.

Objective

To quantify excess mortality due to natural and unnatural causes associated with mental illness.

Design setting and participants

Cohort study using reimbursement claims and vital registration of beneficiaries of a South African medical insurance scheme, aged 15-84 years and covered by medical insurance at any point between January 1, 2011, and June 30, 2020.

Exposures

ICD-10 diagnoses of mental disorders including organic, substance use, psychotic, mood, anxiety, eating, personality, and developmental disorders.

SUBMITTER: Ruffieux Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9882632 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature