Changes in the SF-12 among depressed elders six months after discharge from an inpatient geropsychiatric unit.

Full Abstract

Using the SF-12 to measure physical and mental functioning, the authors examine the intra-individual changes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) 6 months post-discharge for depressed older adults. In addition, they examine three sets of predictors that might influence these changes. The sample of depressed older adults was recruited from an inpatient geropsychiatry unit. Although their physical and mental health scores on the SF-12 were lower than comparable norms, the sample showed an average increase in their mental functioning but a decrease in the physical functioning over the 6 months. Negative life-events were significant predictors of people who reported no change in their mental health functioning and decreases in their physical health functioning. Interestingly, those who experienced positive life events were more likely to report declines and younger participants were more likely to report no change in their physical functioning. The findings indicate that the effects of depression on HRQOL can have enduring effects on a sample of previously hospitalized older adults. The significance of life event changes might signify the importance of taking into account non-traditional areas of medical interventions. Further, the findings indicate the usefulness of the SF-12 quantifying HRQOL outcomes.

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Author information

Author/s: Rozario, Philip A (PA); Morrow-Howell, Nancy L (NL); Proctor, Enola K (EK);

Affiliation: School of Social Work, Adelphi University, 1 South Avenue, P.O. Box 701, Garden City, NY 11530-0701, USA. rozario(-atsign-)adelphi.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Evaluation Studies; Journal Article

Journal: Quality of life research : an international journal of quality of life aspects of treatment, care and rehabilitation (Qual Life Res), published in Netherlands. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-May; vol 15 (issue 4) : pp 755-9

Dates: Created 2006/05/11; Completed 2006/08/04;

PMID: 16688507, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Age Factors
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Depressive Disorder - physiopathology; psychology
Female
Geriatric Assessment
Geriatric Psychiatry
Humans

Male
Outcome Assessment (Health Care) - methods
Patient Discharge
Psychiatric Department, Hospital
Psychometrics
Quality of Life
Sickness Impact Profile
Time Factors

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