Perceived Time Availability for Self-Care and Quality of Life in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Abstract

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) severely impairs quality of life (QoL), yet contextual constraints such as perceived time availability for self-care remain underexplored in low- and middle-income countries. This study evaluated multidimensional QoL and identified its independent correlates among outpatients with MDD in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 290 outpatients with MDD on stable antidepressant therapy. Subjective QoL was measured using the WHOQOL-BREF, and depressive severity using the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology–Self Report (QIDS-SR16). Four domain-specific multivariable linear regression models applying robust standard errors were constructed. Results: Physical (45.2 ± 12.1) and Psychological (46.3 ± 12.7) QoL were most severely compromised. Depressive symptom severity was the strongest independent negative predictor across all four domains (p < 0.001). Lower perceived economic status predicted poorer psychological, social, and environmental QoL. Notably, severe perceived time constraint (“No time” for self-care) independently predicted lower Environmental QoL (β = −10.21, SE = 4.53, p = 0.025) after controlling for economic status and depression severity. Outpatients diagnosed within one year reported lower physical, psychological, and environmental QoL compared to those with 1–5 years of illness. Conclusions: Depressive severity is the most consistent correlate of QoL in Vietnamese outpatients with MDD, whereas perceived time availability for self-care exerts a domain-specific association with Environmental QoL. Comprehensive outpatient care should integrate symptom reduction with lifestyle-oriented guidance and psychosocial support.