engleski

Mental and behavioural disorders in Split-Dalmatia county, Croatia

Introduction: According to the World Health Organisation 450 million people in the World has some form of mental illness. These diseases are in second place as a cause of disability in the European Union and their treatment costs 3–4% of the total income. Objective: To research the public health indicators on mental disorder in Split-Dalmatia County in a support of health care planning and organization. Methods: The data sources used were databases of Split- Dalmatia County, the Croatian Institute for Public Health and World Health Organization. the public health indicators are presented as absolute numbers, the shares (%) and rates. Results: The number of patients suffering mental disorders recorded in family medicine area has increased in the period 1998–2007. Among all specialist examinations in County in 2007, concerning patients in the age group 20– 64 years, the psychiatric examinations were most common (19.2%). County hospitals records show that mental disorders are on 11th place as a cause of hospitalisation. The average duration of hospitalization in the County hospitals in 2007 amounted to 8.2 days and average treatment in the department of psychiatry was 16.1 days. Standardized mortality rates from these diseases show upward trend from 2000 onward. Conclusion: Mental and behavioural disorders are classified as subject to public-health interests, a growing need for services in the field of mental health requires a reorganization of health service delivery system throughout the world to include our country.

mental and behavioural disorders ; public health ; Split-Dalmatia county

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