Abstract :
There is a noticeable trend in the admission of children and adolescents into the local adult
psychiatric hospital in Trinidad (St. Ann’s Hospital). This facility was built in 1900 as an asylum
with 400 patients but currently houses 800 patients, among whom are children and adolescents.
A brief review showed that many were referred for what parents deem beyond-control behavior.
The characteristics of the children and adolescents admitted for inpatient treatment have never
been reviewed. The specific aims were to analyze the (1) demographic characteristics; (2)
reasons for referral; (3) source of referral, and (4) diagnoses.
Methods: This is a retrospective study. The records of children and adolescents admitted
between 2009 and 2013 were reviewed. The participants would have been evaluated and
diagnosed on the ward by the consultant psychiatrist. A data capture sheet was developed,
based on the information contained in the patient intake form. Two nursing staff members were
trained on data extraction. The data sheet was pretested with 20 files before a final adjustment
was developed.
Keyword :
Beyond-control behavior, Trinidad, Tobago, Children, Adolescent, Psychiatric, Inpatient, Treatment.