Factors Associated With Child and Youth Mental Health Readmissions From a US National Database

To describe and identify factors associated with mental health (MH) readmission rates for youth ages 5 to 17 years discharged between January 2019 and November 2019.

This retrospective, cross-sectional analysis using the 2019 Nationwide Readmissions Database identified hospitalizations for patients with a primary diagnosis of an MH condition using the Clinical Classification Software groupings, which are based on ICD-10-CM codes. Various patient characteristics including comorbidities were included in univariate and multivariate analysis to study their association with psychiatric readmission.

A 30-day readmission rate of 7.8% was found for the overall sample with significantly higher rates for youth younger than age 15 years. MH comorbidity was a factor in readmission rates; having ≥3 primary MH conditions was associated with higher rates of readmission (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.20). Significantly higher rates of readmission were noted for several diagnostic groupings including schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders (aOR = 1.95); bipolar and related disorders (aOR = 1.42); other specified and unspecified mood disorders (aOR = 1.42); disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorders (aOR = 1.32); and neurodevelopmental disorders (aOR = 1.23). Having public insurance (aOR=1.28) and a longer length of stay (AOR = 1.71 for ≥15 days) were associated with significantly higher odds of an MH readmission.

A concerning number of children admitted for MH conditions in 2019 were readmitted within 30 days (7.8%). Younger children, children with specific MH diagnoses, children with public health insurance, and children with a long initial length of stay have higher odds for readmission and represent a target for prevention and intervention.

We worked to ensure that the study questionnaires were prepared in an inclusive way. Diverse cell lines and/or genomic datasets were not available. One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as a member of one or more historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science. One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as a member of one or more historically underrepresented sexual and/or gender groups in science.