Objectives: This study examined factors associated with quality of life among mentally ill veteran patients living in board and care homes (BCHs). Methods: Data from structured interviews administered to a probability sample of veteran patients (n=162) receiving VA case management services living in privately operated BCHs (n=26) approved and monitored by the VA were used to assess quality of life using the Lehman Quality of Life Interview. Independent variables examined in standard multivariate analyses included individual characteristics (age, number of prior psychiatric hospitalizations, Brief Symptom Inventory Global Severity Index, and GAF); objective living environment characteristics (median household income, number of beds in the BCH, and interviewer ratings of physical attractiveness and aggregate level of activity among residents); and perceived social climate of the BCH (measured using the Moos Sheltered Care Environment Scale). Results: Two individual characteristics (BSI and GAF); two objective living environment characteristics (number of beds and interviewer ratings); and perceived social climate characteristics were significantly associated with quality of life, albeit differentially among the four QOL dependent variables considered. The proportion of variance in subjective and objective quality of life explained by individual (resident) characteristics ranged from 15-23%. The proportion of variance explained by the full model in the four aspects of quality of life considered in this study included 30% for satisfaction with general well-being, 41% for satisfaction with living situation, 34% for frequency of social contacts, and 23% for participation in daily activities. Conclusions: Implications for mental health policy makers, clinicians, and researchers are discussed.
Learning Objectives: 1. List seven individual and living environment factors associated with quality of life. 2. Identify proportion of variance in quality of life explained by objective characteristics and the social climate of the board and care home living environment. 3. Appreciate the importance of adequately specifying type (subjective, objective) and domain (e.g., living situation, general well-being, family relations, leisure activities, safety, health) of quality of life outcome(s) of interest.
Keywords: Quality of Life, Mental Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System Community Residential Care (CRC) Program
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.