Psychiatric hospital admissions in Bristol. I. Geographical and ethnic factors.

The distribution of in-patient psychiatric admissions throughout the city of Bristol during the period 1978-1981 is described. High rates were found from the central urban areas of low social class and with a high concentration of immigrants. The findings suggest that immigrant groups (mainly of West Indian origin) are no more likely than others living in the city centre to become psychiatric hospital in-patients, but when they do so, they are more likely to require compulsory admission.