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

Bente Birkeland,John-Kåre Vederhus,Magnhild M Høie,Torleif Ruud,Bente M Weimand

doi:10.1186/s12955-017-0750-5

Abstract

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.

Highlights

This 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
As the present study focused on the QoL of partners, we did not include parents that were separated or divorced
Differences between partner groups The total sample consisted of 213 partners: 116 in the somatic illness domain, 72 in the mental illness domain, and 25 in the SUD domain (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

This 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. An estimated 30–50% of the general population in Norway will experience a mental disorder in their lifetimes, 10–20% will experience a substance use disorder (SUD), and about 30% will experience cancer [1] During their lifetimes, many people will experience an illness of a partner or other loved one across different illness domains. A loved one’s illness may raise concerns and worries about the future [2], which in turn can lead to stress, fatigue, and sleep deprivation [2, 5] Such factors can influence physical and mental health negatively, and anxiety and depression can be among the consequences [6,7,8]. Physical and mental health form two integral components of QoL [9, 10], and when they are affected, QoL will typically be perceived as impaired

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