Title: Admissions of African Americans to state psychiatric hospitals

Authors: Allen N. Lewis, Jr., King E. Davis, Ning Jackie Zhang

Addresses: Department of Rehabilitation Counseling, School of Allied Health Professions, Virginia Commonwealth University, P.O. Box 980330 Richmond, VA 23298-0330, USA. ' The University of Texas at Austin, 1925 San Jacinto Blvd., 1 University Station, D3500, Austin, Texas 78712-0358, USA. ' College of Health and Public Affairs, University of Central Florida, 3280 Progress Drive, Orlando, Florida 32826, USA

Abstract: This investigation examines the admissions of African-Americans to state psychiatric hospitals in Virginia. It compares admissions of African-Americans primarily with European-Americans and other racial and ethnic minorities. Data spanning the 20-year period from 1970 to 1990 from nine state psychiatric hospitals were analysed to determine the relationship of race to number of admissions, to primary diagnosis at admission and to length of stay. Compared to European-Americans, African-Americans were significantly more likely to be admitted to state psychiatric hospitals, had longer lengths of stay and were likely to be given more severe diagnoses. Key policy implications are provided.

Keywords: African Americans; admissions; state mental hospitals; health disparities; disability disparities; USA; United States; psychiatric hospitals; psychiatric healthcare; length of stay; diagnosis.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPP.2010.035126

International Journal of Public Policy, 2010 Vol.6 No.3/4, pp.219 - 236

Published online: 05 Sep 2010 *

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