CNE Article

The Effect of Menstruation on Psychiatric Hospitalization

Jaclyn Weston, BSN, BA, RN-BC; Karen Gabel Speroni, BSN, MHSA, PhD, RN; Terri Ellis, BSN, RN; Marlon G. Daniel, MHA, MPH

  • Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
  • July 2012 - Volume 50 · Issue 7: 39-43
  • DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20120605-01
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Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of menstruation on psychiatric hospitalization. We conducted a retrospective chart review of the medical records of 177 women who met the eligibility criteria. Data collected included demographic details, primary and secondary diagnoses, date of last menstrual period (LMP), medication adherence, psychiatric hospitalization length of stay, previous psychiatric admissions (including those related to menstruation), discharge referrals, and readmissions. The majority of women were admitted for major depression, were single, Caucasian, and had a mean age of 34. A disproportionate percentage (37%) of women had their LMP within 5 days of psychiatric hospitalization (p = 0.0006). The overall average length of stay was 4.37 days, and 48.3% had a previous psychiatric admission. Medication adherence was routinely not documented (77.4%). Psychiatric hospitalizations for women are significantly greater within 5 days of their LMP. Nursing education and improved documentation are warranted to decrease the potential for readmission.

AUTHORS

Ms. Weston is Behavioral Health Manager, and Ms. Ellis is Staff Nurse, Shore Health System, Cambridge, and Dr. Speroni is Chair, Nursing Research Council, and Mr. Daniel is Biostatisician, Shore Health System, Easton, Maryland.

The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity. This study was funded by Shore Health System; no external funding was received for this study.

Address correspondence to Jaclyn Weston, BSN, BA, RN-BC, Behavioral Health Manager, Shore Health System, 300 Byrn Street, Cambridge, MD 21613; e-mail: jweston@shorehealth.org.

 

Received: October 27, 2011
Accepted: May 15, 2012
Posted: June 15, 2012

doi: 10.3928/02793695-20120605-01

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