Does Health Related Quality of Life Differ between People with Chronic Mental Illness Who Use Computers and Those Who Do Not?

摘要

Occupational therapists are increasingly interested in promoting quality of life and digital divides in people with chronic mental illness. This study aims to compare quality of life between people with chronic mental illness who use and do not use computer. Twenty-four participants were recruited from a medical center in northern Taiwan. Two assessments were used including 1) a Quality of life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF Taiwan) and 2) a questionnaire relating to computer and internet use developed specifically for this study. The results show that there was a statistically significant difference in environment domain of quality of life between people who use computers and people who do not use computers in their daily life (p=029). There was no statistically significant difference in the physical, psychological and social relationship domains of quality of life. Occupational therapists may help people with chronic mental illness to engage in meaningful activities through using the computer as ordinary part of their daily lives and in order to improve their perception of quality of life.