Social networks among users of mental health day care : Predictors of social contacts and confiding relationships

Background The social networks of people with mental illness have received much attention, but users of day care services have rarely been considered. Methods Users of day hospitals and day centres were surveyed cross-sectionally. Demographic and illness factors were tested for associations with network size, while intrinsic relationship factors were tested for association with confiding in a network member. Results There was some evidence that a longer duration of contact with services, more unmet needs, working, living in supported accommodation and needing help with psychotic symptoms were associated with having a larger network, while a longer duration of contact was associated with having more confidantes. Day centre users confided in people who were more likely to be friends or neighbours than professionals, and who were more likely to be the same sex. Conclusion For people in day care, the stereotype that people with longer-term mental health problems are socially isolated is contradicted by this study. The limited role of professionals in providing confiding relationships is striking.