Quality of life of Turkish patients with depression in Ankara and in Berlin

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Quality of life (QOL) of immigrant groups with mental disorders should be compared with similar patients in the country of origin. Therefore, this study evaluated the QOL in Turkish patients who were in treatment because of depressive disorders in Ankara and Berlin.

Subjects and Methods: Patients with depressive disorders were recruited from services in Ankara and Berlin. The same researcher interviewed all patients and assessed socio-demographic characteristics, symptomatology, psychiatric diagnosis and QOL.

Results: QOL of patients in Ankara was significantly higher than that of patients in Berlin. Satisfaction with specific life domains also showed significant differences between the two groups. Factors positively associated with QoL in Berlin were marital status, shorter duration of marriage, fewer occupants per household, a relaxed religious attitude, being informed about the illness by the physician, and lower levels of symptoms. In Ankara, only initial help seeking behavior and level of depressive symptoms were associated with QOL.

Conclusion: QOL of Turkish patients with depression in Berlin appears lower than that of similar patients in Ankara. Different factors may influence QOL of Turkish patients with depression living in the place of origin and having emigrated to Germany.