Prevalence and Factors Associated with Loss to Follow-up among Outpatient Psychiatric Patients at Phaholpolpayuhasena Hospital

Authors

  • Sukrit Vitavasiri Department of Psychiatry, Phaholpolpayuhasena Hospital, Kanchanaburi 71000

Keywords:

treatment discontinuation, psychiatric treatment, psychiatric patients, outpatient

Abstract

Objectives: To study the prevalence and factors associated with discontinuation of continuous treatment among psychiatric outpatients at Phaholpolpayuhasena Hospital.

Methods: This was a retrospective medical record review utilizing an analytical cross-sectional study design. The study population consisted of psychiatric patients who received outpatient services at Phaholpolpayuhasena Hospital in Kanchanaburi Province between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023, and met the inclusion criteria. A multi-stage random sampling method was used, with the first stage involving stratified sampling, dividing patients into two groups: new and returning patients, totaling 224 cases. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze general data, and group comparisons were conducted using the Chi-square test and multiple regression analysis.

Results: Among the 224 eligible patients, 62 (27.68%) had follow-up appointments less than once a month, indicating the prevalence of treatment non-adherence. When categorized by follow-up duration, the majority (110 patients, 49.11%) had follow-up appointments exceeding 10 months. Factors significantly associated with treatment non-adherence among psychiatric outpatients (p<0.05), after controlling for age, healthcare rights, diagnosis, patient type, and number of psychotropic medications, were identified.

Conclusion: Among psychiatric outpatients at Phaholpolpayuhasena Hospital, the prevalence   of treatment discontinuity was relatively low. A multidisciplinary team should assess the risk factors for treatment discontinuation in individual patients and develop appropriate care plans. Particular attention should be given to high-risk groups, including individuals aged 45–60 years, those diagnosed with schizophrenia or mood disorders, follow-up patients, and those prescribed multiple psychiatric medications.

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Published

04-06-2025

How to Cite

1.
Vitavasiri S. Prevalence and Factors Associated with Loss to Follow-up among Outpatient Psychiatric Patients at Phaholpolpayuhasena Hospital. Phahol Hosp J [internet]. 2025 Jun. 4 [cited 2025 Jun. 21];13(2):14-29. available from: https://he04.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/PPHJ/article/view/3004

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Original Articles