Perceived quality of life in partners of patients undergoing treatment in somatic health, mental health, or substance use disorder units: a cross-sectional study

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Research

Bente M. Weimand¹  Torleif Ruud²  Magnhild M. Høie³  John-Kåre Vederhus⁴  Bente Birkeland⁴ 

[1] Akershus University Hospital, Division Mental Health Services, Lørenskog, Norway;Akershus University Hospital, Division Mental Health Services, Lørenskog, Norway;University of Oslo, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Oslo, Norway;Department of Psychosocial Health, University of Agder, Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences, Grimstad, Norway;Sørlandet Hospital HF, Addiction Department, Research Unit, P.b. 416, Addiction Unit, Sørlandet Hospital HF, 4604, Kristiansand, Norway;

关键词: Quality of life;    Partner;    Substance use disorder;    Illness;    Family cohesion;    Social support;    Psychological distress;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12955-017-0750-5

 received in 2017-05-23, accepted in 2017-08-25,  发布年份 2017

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundThis study explores (1) differences in socio-demographic, social/familial, and health variables and perceived quality of life (QoL) among partners of patients with somatic illness, mental illness, or substance use disorder (SUD); and (2) identifies factors associated with QoL.MethodsParticipants (N = 213) in this cross-sectional study were recruited from inpatient or outpatient services in five hospitals in Norway, 2013–2014. QoL was measured by the QoL-5, a generic five-item questionnaire. Differences between groups were examined using Chi-square for categorical variables and Kruskal-Wallis for contiuous variables. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine factors associated with QoL.ResultsThe mean QoL score was similar to that of a general population sample, and 13% of the sample had a markedly low QoL. Partners in the SUD group experienced worse socio-demographic conditions in terms of occupation and income, but QoL did not differ significantly among the three groups. In a regression model, perceived family cohesion was positively associated with QoL while psychological distress (Symptom Checklist-10) was negatively related to it. The model explained 56% of the variance in QoL.ConclusionsWhen patients are ill, clinicians should consider the partners’ QoL, and brief QoL tools can be used to identify those who are struggling most. Reduced QoL is associated with higher psychological distress and lower family cohesion. Treatment initiatives focusing on these themes may serve as preventive measures to help the most vulnerable families cope with their difficult life situation.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© The Author(s). 2017