Quality of Life in Severe Mental Illness Treatment in Japan
Author Information
Author(s): Horiuchi Kentaro, Nisihio Masaaki, Oshima Iwao, Ito Junichiro, Matsuoka Hiroo, Tsukada Kazumi
Primary Institution: Kohnodai Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry Japan
Hypothesis
With our intervention that limits clients' psychiatric admissions to only those necessary and provides alternative support sufficiently in their communities, clients' subjective QOL would not worsen.
Conclusion
The program met its primary goal of reducing hospital use, but satisfaction with family relationships declined.
Supporting Evidence
- Hospital days significantly decreased from 105.8 to 34.9.
- Income increased significantly during the study.
- Satisfaction with family relationships significantly decreased.
Takeaway
This study looked at how a special program helped people with serious mental health issues live better in their communities instead of being in the hospital, but some people felt less happy with their family relationships.
Methodology
Participants were assessed using the Quality of Life Interview at baseline and after 12 months, with data analyzed for changes in quality of life.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the exclusion of subjects who did not consent or were deemed unsuitable by psychiatrists.
Limitations
The sample size was small and some subjects were excluded for clinical reasons, which may affect the results.
Participant Demographics
Mean age was 33.9 years, with 42.4% male and 57.6% female; most had schizophrenia or related disorders.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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