Predictors in use of mental health resources: The role of behaviour problems in patients with severe mental illness.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, more variables are being included in the use of mental health resource prediction models. Some studies have shown that how well the patient can function is important for this prediction. However, the relevance of a variable as important as behaviour problems has scarcely been explored.

AIM: This study attempted to evaluate the effect of behaviour problems in patients with severe mental illness on the use of mental health resources.

METHOD: A total of 185 patients at a Community Mental Health Unit were evaluated using the Behaviour Problem Inventory. Later, a bivariate logistic regression was done to identify what behaviour problems could be specific predictors of use of mental health resources.

RESULTS: The results showed that the general index of behaviour problems predicts both use of hospitalization resources and outpatient attention. Underactivity/social withdrawal is the best predictor of all the different areas.

CONCLUSION: These results confirm the role of behaviour problems as predictors of the use of mental health resources in individuals with a severe mental illness.