The quantity and quality of aftercare services: Relationship with recidivism in mental hospital patients

Studied 79 16-88 yr old mental patients who were released to a 3-county area and received aftercare services. Patient information on prehospital, inhospital, and posthospital variables was collected from existing records to determine the relationship between the community support system available to the patient and 3 criteria of subsequent recidivism. Current situational factors were found to be the most important single predictors of recidivism, while the magnitude of aftercare services received was not related to recidivism. However, when variables associated with self-selection into the aftercare program were partialled out, the patient's living situation was the best predictor of recidivism, and greater aftercare costs indicating a greater amount of contact were found to be associated with a higher recidivism rate. Results suggest that aftercare services need to be directed at prevention and skill building and that aftercare should not be relied on as an intervention strategy. (French summary) (12 ref)