Out-patient psychosomatic aftercare and social inequality

Abstract

Social inequality is not considered to be an influential factor in studies regarding the effectiveness of psychosomatic rehabilitation. Nevertheless, there is evidence of lower accessibility of patients with psychiatric disorders when they have a lower educational or socio-economic status. A total of 214 participants of out-patient aftercare were divided into two groups according to education and socio-economic status and compared with a control group (n=121). Changes in symptom load and the ability to manage daily life 1 year after release from in-patient rehabilitation treatment were examined in a repeated measures design. The treatment group was able to reduce symptom loads as well as improve their daily life skills. However, mainly participants with a higher education level and higher social-economic status benefited from treatment. Social inequality in aftercare groups requires more targeted sociomedical consulting and an intensified case management. At the same time management of the group should not take the highest level as a general guideline.