48.4% of hospitalised patients suffer from mental disorders: BSMMU study

A recent study conducted at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) revealed that approximately 48.4% of patients admitted to the medical institution were diagnosed with psychiatric disorders.

The study further outlined that 54.8% of these patients were male, while 45.2% were female and had been admitted to various departments within the university hospital. Especially, only a minimal 3.6% of these patients had been referred to the psychiatry department.

With this data, the study titled "Psychiatric morbidities among admitted patients in medicine, surgery, and their allied disciplines in BSMMU Hospital," shed light on the mental health challenges faced by individuals admitted to the medical institution.

The findings unveiling took place at a ceremony held at BSMMU on Saturday. The study encompassed patients admitted to 24 different departments of medicine, surgery, and allied disciplines at BSMMU, reflecting the broad scope of the research.

The research reveals that a staggering 48.4% of patients admitted to BSMMU suffer from psychiatric disorders, indicating a significant prevalence of mental health issues among hospital patients.  Among these patients, 54.8% are male, while 45.2% are female, showing a noteworthy gender disparity in the prevalence of psychiatric disorders.

Perhaps the most alarming finding of the study is that only 3.6% of these patients were referred to the psychiatry department, despite their evident mental health issues.

This raises concerns about the adequate management of psychiatric disorders within the hospital.

BSMMU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Sharfuddin Ahmed, who was the chief guest at the ceremony, emphasised the importance of the study's findings.

He stated, "Through this research, patients and those related to patient treatment will become more aware. Physicians will be encouraged to make necessary referrals to other departments for urgent treatment, further enhancing the quality of care for hospitalised patients. The people concerned should ensure that the referred patients receive swift and appropriate services."

Highlighting the need for better mental health care within the hospital, the BSMMU Vice-Chancellor emphasised the crucial connection between mental and physical health.

He noted, "Everyone should smile a little at the end of the day to be well, understand the sympathy of others' hearts with their own heart, and talk sincerely with everyone, including family members. We should remember to engage in various types of sports to keep both the body and mind healthy. Physical health is not possible without mental health."