Factors Related to Psychiatric Hospital Readmission for Survivors of Human Trafficking

Author: White, C. Nicole & Robichaux, Katherine

Abstract: Human trafficking is a public health concern that has gained attention over the last 25 years. The literature has shown that survivors of trafficking tend to have higher mental health needs due to the complex trauma experienced both related to trafficking and experiences unrelated to trafficking. This study aimed to explore factors related to hospital readmission among patients with lived experiences of human trafficking in an inpatient psychiatric unit. A retrospective chart review was conducted (n = 192, age 18–69) to examine associations between readmission and demographics, trafficking typology, legal status of admission, presenting problem, primary psychiatric diagnosis, substance use diagnosis (SUD), housing status, and length of stay. Chi-square and regression analyses indicated that gender (p = .009), SUD (p = .034), and housing at discharge (p = .036) were significantly related to readmission. Specifically, men, patients with SUD, and those discharged into temporary housing were more likely to be readmitted. These findings highlight the importance of supporting this patient population at discharge. This information can be used to encourage system-wide education and policy improvements, bolster intervention efforts to promote protective factors at discharge, and support the creation of inclusive community resources for all survivors.

Keywords: human trafficking, psychiatric hospital, psychiatric readmission, mental health, inpatient