PSYCHIATRIC MORBIDITY AND ASSOCIATED PSYCHO-SOCIAL FACTORS AMONG INHABITANTS OF INSTITUTIONAL HOME FOR DESTITUTES

Abstract

BACKGROUND- The destitute population among homeless includes beggars, commercial sex workers, and mentally
ill, elderly women with dependent children, street children, and persons with disability. Amongst these, some of them
have migrated from other states and some are local residents. Previous researches demonstrates that the homeless population is at a greater risk of
acquiring mental and physical ill-health such as depression, drug and alcohol issues, obesity, hepatitis B and C, and dental problems. This study
aimed at determining the psychiatric morbidity and associated socio-demographic correlates among the residents of a destitute rehabilitation
center in Bikaner, Rajasthan.AIM AND OBJECTIVES- The aim was to study the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity and psycho-social factors
among inhabitants of institutional home for destitute. METHODOLOGY- This is a single-center, cross-sectional descriptive study. Inmates
(N=109) of APNA GHAR AASHRAM (home for destitute in Bikaner) were recruited. RESULTS- In our study , out of 109 inmates, 89 (81.6%)
have psychiatric illness and most common psychiatric illness among participants was psychosis (47.7%). Of the 109 Participants, 89 (81.6%)
had psychiatric illness. Most common psychiatric illness was psychosis (n =52 ,47.7%) , followed by Mental Retardation (n = 11 , 10.1%) ,
followed by Bipolar Disorder (n = 9, 8.3%). Most common reason for admission to destitute home was psychiatric illness and found wandering.