Measuring social environment factors of inpatients and outpatients with depression in Germany: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Social environment characteristics, including social relationships and cultural milieus, may influence the occurrence, course and management of depression. Effective questionnaires are needed to measure these factors and improve disease management.

Objective

We aimed to (1) evaluate the social environment, such as social isolation, social disability and social cohesion of depressed inpatients and outpatients, and (2) discuss the suitability of standardised questionnaires measuring it.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included adult patients with unipolar depression from a psychiatric hospital and general practitioner (GP) practices in Bavaria, Germany. Social isolation, disability and cohesion were measured using the Lubben Social Network Scale (LS

SUBMITTER: Schoenweger P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11969599 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature