Abstract
Small-Area Analysis of Psychiatric Need and Utilization in California Track: Health and Human Services Author(s): Jim Banta, Seth Wiafe Findings from major epidemiological studies have been applied to Census 2000 Public Use Microdata Areas (PUMAs) data to estimate county-level prevalence of serious mental illness (SMI) and serious emotional disturbance (SED)within multiple Western states. These estimates were based on 1% PUMAs (minimum population of 400,000) and are valuable for national and state-level planning. Within heavily populated states such as California, estimates based on 5% PUMAs (minimum population of 100,000) are more valuable for local-level planning. ArcView was used in a university-based effort to compare estimated prevalence within PUMAs (which are defined by census tracts) with hospital discharge data (reported at the ZIP Code level). Discharges with an SMI or SED primary diagnosis were obtained from California Office of Statewide Planning and Development (1999-2001) files. Rates were calculated for children/youth, adults, and older adults. Spatial analysis clearly demonstrates variations in estimated mental illness prevalence and psychiatric inpatient utilization rates. Jim Banta Loma Linda University Health Administration 24951 North Circle Drive Loma Linda , CA 92350 US Phone: (909) 558-7753 E-mail: jbanta@sph.llu.edu Seth Wiafe Loma Linda University Environmental and Occupational Health 24951 North Circle Drive Loma Linda , CA 92350 US Phone: (909) 558-4000 E-mail: swiafe@sph.llu.edu |
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