Differences in the Functioning and Occupational Activity in People with Mental Disorders: A Gender Perspective

Abstract

Introduction:The disability caused by the mental disorders (MD) limit the individual and social functioning. This study examines the relationships between functioning domains with gender, diagnosis and occupational activity in people with MD. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during 2017. Patients of a psychiatric hospital answered the questionnaires 1) Sociodemographic and clinical variables, and 2) WHODAS, assesses domains of functioning (Do): a. Cognition, b. Mobility, c. Self-care, d. Getting along, e. Life activities, and f. Participation. Analysis x 2 , t-test, ANOVA and Tamhane were performed.Results: 302 patients with average age 33 years were surveyed, 48.7% were unemployment. The women showed less disability than men (participation: 47.50 vs 62.47; t = -3.274, p =. 001; cognition: 35.83 vs 54.28 t = -3.608, p =. 000). ANOVA for diagnosis: size large effect in Do4: F (6, 178) = 4.56, p= <.000; and occupational activity: size large in Do1 F (5, 179) = 9.08, p = <. 000; Do4 F (5, 179) = 8.64, p = <. 000. Tamhane: student and housewife increase the functionality 52.66 and 51.52 compared to be unemployment. Conclusion:All the domains of functioning are affected in the MD but being men, having psychosis and unemployment increasing disability.