Prevalence and factors associated with restraints in mental health in-patient wards

Abstract

AIMS AND METHOD: Restraints in mental health in-patient settings can negatively affect recovery. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and associated factors of restraint use. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in a rural NHS mental health trust in the UK, covering all adult in-patients from July 2020 to July 2021. RESULTS: The prevalence of restraint was 34%. Factors associated with restraint included age 18-25 or ≥65 years, female gender, disability, long-term sickness benefits, detention under the Mental Health Act, frequent admissions and a diagnosis of depressive or severe mental illness. Statistically significant associations were found for age ≥65 years (odds ratio 3.920), Section 2 detention (odds ratio 5.72), more than ten previous admissions (odds ratio 5.672) and depressive disorders (odds ratio 3.478). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Restraint use remains common and is linked to identifiable risk factors. These findings support the need for targeted interventions to reduce restraint, particularly for high-risk patient groups.