The prevalence and characteristics of mental health symptoms among home care recipients in Zurich, Switzerland: A descriptive cross-sectional study

Mental Health Disorders (MHD) significantly impact global disability rates and are prevalent among home care recipients. Accurate prevalence data on Mental Health Symptoms (MHS) in this population is limited. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of MHS in home care recipients in Zurich, Switzerland, to estimate potential neglect, establish a basis for further research, and inform the development of home care strategies. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 604 home care recipients. The study utilized the Resident Assessment Instrument HomeCare (interRAI HC) and the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) to assess various domains of physical and mental health, cognitive functioning, and social support. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the characteristics and mental health status of the study population. The mean age of participants was 80.54 years, with 60.3 % female, and 70.03 % living alone. Cognitive impairment was prevalent, with 53.48 % of the sample affected. Depressive symptoms were identified in 27.64 % of participants, and anxiety symptoms were present in 10.58 %. Behavioral problems, including aggressive behavior and substance use, were found in 7.6 % and 9.26 % of the sample, respectively. Social problems were common, with 57.37 % of recipients experiencing difficulties with daily living activities. The findings highlight a high prevalence of MHS among home care recipients in Zurich, underscoring the need for tailored home care strategies and comprehensive, standardized assessment tools like interRAI HC and HoNOS. These tools can help identify and address mental health issues more effectively, improving care outcomes for home care recipients. Further research should explore the impact of these assessments on care planning and patient well-being.