Health-Related Quality of Life of Individuals Living In Households with Depression: Evidence from the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP)

Depression contributes to disability more than any other mental disorder and is associated with a reduced health-related quality of life. However, the impact of depression on the social environment is relatively unknown. The current study determined differences in the health-related quality of life between co-living household members of depressed persons and persons in households without depression. Furthermore, factors influencing the health-related quality of life of co-living household members of depressed persons were evaluated. Using a sample of the German Socio-Economic Panel, health-related quality of life was measured longitudinally with the 12 item Short Form health survey. In addition to descriptive statistics, differences in health-related quality of life and factors influencing the health-related quality of life of co-living household members of depressed persons were determined by mixed effects beta regressions. Mental health-related quality of life was reduced for co-living household members of depressed persons compared with persons of households without depressed persons. Health-related quality of life of co-living household members of depressed persons was lower for women compared to men as well as for widowed persons compared to married persons. Overall, the health-related quality of life of co-living household members of depressed persons was reduced, which might be due to increased stress levels. It is therefore important to focus on support services for people in the social environment of depressed persons.