Community integration and related factors among people with mental illness in Japan: Multiple regression analysis stratified by social isolation level

Backgroud and Aim: Community integration is an essential for people with mental illness that affects their health and quality of life. The objective of this study is to find the factors useful in improving community integration of people with mental illness. Methods: The study method was self-reporting questionnaires for people with mental illness living in the community. The decision tree analysis revealed that people with mental illness into high or low social isolation level strata. Multiple regression analyses stratified by using two social isolation levels were conducted. Results: Common factors among the strata were living environment of formal care accessibility and daily life activity. Specific factors for social isolation low-level stratum were self-efficacy for coping with symptoms, self-efficacy for social relationships, healthy lifestyle habits, treatment, exchange daily life information with friends and family members. Specific factors for social isolation high-level stratum were self-efficacy for daily living, self-efficacy for treatment-related behavior and satisfaction with formal care. All specific factors were positively associated with community integration. Conclusions: The findings suggest the devising interventions to enhance community integration by social isolation level among people with mental illness.