P0213 - Factors influencing attitudes of deinstitutionalized patients' neighbours

Abstract

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to assess the factors that influence attitudes of people neighbouring to residential care facilities that host chronic psychiatric patients formerly hospitalized in a psychiatric hospital, 2 years after their deinstitutionalization.

Methods:

One member of at least 30 households neighbouring to 8 community-based psychiatric facilities (hostels and sheltered apartments) was interviewed by a group of specially trained social workers. The structured interview used was compiled specifically for the needs of this study.

Results:

Less than 25% of our sample had adequate knowledge of the term ‘deinstitutionalization’ and in particular people with higher education and that have been visited by a psychiatric resident. Nevertheless, their attitudes were in general positive. In a regression analysis, attitude towards deinstitutionalization was found to be positively correlated with having visited a psychiatric facility, years of education, and living near 4 out of the 8 psychiatric hostels [R-squared=0.20]. Female neighbours were generally more favourable, but this effect was only marginally significant. Attitude towards the psychiatric patient was best predicted by years of education, having visited a psychiatric hostel and living near 2 out of the 8 psychiatric hostels [R-squared=.21]. Age was generally negatively correlated with attitudes towards the patient [r=-0.23]. There were also significant differences among the attitudes of the various hostel neighbourhoods.

Conclusions:

Apart from education, age, and gender the most important factors in influencing attitudes towards deinstitutionalization and patients are local. Choice of favourable locations for psychiatric facilities and cultivation of a positive neighbourhood climate are important.