Factors associated with infection-related hospitalisations in severe mental illness: a retrospective cohort study - Report - MDSpire

Factors associated with infection-related hospitalisations in severe mental illness: a retrospective cohort study

  • By

  • Amy Ronaldson

  • Sarah Markham

  • Alex Dregan

  • Temi Lampejo

  • Jayati Das-Munshi

  • Matthew Broadbent

  • Claire Henderson

  • Robert Stewart

  • Ioannis Bakolis

  • June 29, 2026

  • 0 min

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Determinants of Infection-Related Hospital Admissions in Individuals with Severe Mental Illness

Overview

This study identifies key factors associated with infection-related hospitalizations in individuals with severe mental illness (SMI), highlighting the role of prior hospital admissions and specific medication use.

Background

Individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) face a significantly higher risk of infection-related hospitalizations compared to the general population, contributing to increased morbidity and mortality.

Data Highlights

FactorHazard Ratio (HR)95% Confidence Interval (CI)
General hospital admissions for ambulatory care sensitive conditions2.312.08 to 2.56
Clozapine prescribing1.671.45 to 1.92
Severe problems with physical illness/disability1.361.31 to 1.42

Key Findings

  • Individuals with SMI have a higher risk of infection-related hospitalizations compared to the general population.
  • Key factors associated with increased risk include prior general hospital admissions for ambulatory care sensitive conditions.
  • Clozapine prescribing is linked to a higher likelihood of infection-related hospitalizations.
  • Severe physical illness or disability significantly contributes to the risk of hospitalization for infections.
  • Two distinct patterns of risk factors were identified: one associated with older age and physical health issues, and another with younger individuals facing complex psychiatric and substance use challenges.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should consider the identified risk factors when assessing individuals with SMI for infection-related hospitalizations.

Conclusion

This study enhances the understanding of factors leading to infection-related hospitalizations in individuals with SMI.

Related Resources & Content

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  2. Critical Care (Springer) — Association between isolation room admission in intensive care units and long-term psychiatric disorders: a nationwide cohort study
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  4. Infection — Exploring the Impact of Socioeconomic Status, Ethnicity, and Clinical Factors on Sepsis Mortality Rates: A Population-Based Case-Control Analysis Utilizing Linked Primary Care and Hospital Data from England
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  7. RSV Vaccine Guidance for Adults | RSV | CDC
  8. Surviving Sepsis Campaign Adult Guidelines | SCCM
  9. https://academic.oup.com/ajrccm/article/212/5/1064/8494295
  10. Influenza-Associated Hospitalizations During a High Severity Season — Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network, United States, 2024–25 Influenza Season | MMWR
  11. Severe mental illness and infectious disease mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis - ScienceDirect
  12. Clozapine use and risk of infections in patients with schizophrenia in Hong Kong: a population-based cohort study - PubMed
  13. FDA removes risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) program for the antipsychotic drug Clozapine | FDA
  14. Frontiers | Influenza, pneumococcal, and COVID-19 vaccination coverage and hesitancy in adults with psychiatric disorders
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