Health-related quality of life among subjects with long-term mental symptoms in a population-based sample.
Women have shown to have poorer health-related quality of life (HRQL) than men. The purpose of this study was to examine HRQL, its gender differences and correlates among subjects (n = 158) with long-term mental symptoms in a population-based sample. HRQL was assessed with the eight dimensions and the Physical (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scales of RAND-36. Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were recorded and psychometric scales were administered. Psychiatric diagnoses were confirmed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV. HRQL was quite poor in all dimensions of RAND-36 regardless of gender. Men and women had similarly poor scores for PCS and MCS. Mental health-related factors were main correlates of HRQL and this knowledge could be used in nursing practice and in health promotion.
Saharinen
T
T
Department of Psychiatry, Kuopio University Hospital, P.O. Box 1777, 70211 Kuopio, Finland. tarja.saharinen@kuh.fi
Hintikka
J
J
Niskanen
L
L
Kylmä
J
J
Koivumaa-Honkanen
H
H
Honkalampi
K
K
Nikkonen
M
M
Haatainen
K
K
Viinamäki
H
H
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors