Psychosocial census of the residents of psychiatric hospitals in the state of São Paulo: a look from the racial perspective

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the profile of the residents of psychiatric hospitals in the State of São Paulo, according to race/color. For this secondary data was used from the Psychosocial Census of residents of psychiatric hospitals owned and insured by SUS State of São Paulo, which featured people with a length of stay equal to or higher than one year as of 30/11/2007. When characterizing the profile of this population, it was identified that in regards to race/color, the greater expressiveness was among the white population, which equals 60.29% of total residents. Data on race/color of the 2000 Census reports that out of the total population of the State of São Paulo, 27.4% are black and brown, but when considering the population living in psychiatric hospitals, this number reached 38.36%. It was observed that there is a higher proportion of blacks who are admitted because they have no income or place to live, weak social network, receive fewer visits - precarious social life - associated with mental disorders or medical conditions. Despite the GM Ordinance 106/2000, which establishes RTSs for former patients of psychiatric long stay, with absent and/or fragile social support networks, it can be assumed that these were not covered by this resolution. The psychosocial effects of racism and the impact of processes of prejudice, exclusion and social separation on mental health are highlighted in the article.