[Roommate in patients' rooms--a nuisance or useful resources?]

A random sample (n = 80) of depressive and CHD general hospital inpatients of both sexes assessed fellow patients via a questionnaire (Mink) based on a qualitative pilot study. The results document the central role of hospital roommates in determining inpatient experience. Except for depressive males, all patients, regardless of their sex and diagnosis, experienced the presence of roommates as desirable and helpful. The stress factor, on the other hand, received a much lower rating. The main expectation was emotional relief, although the individual accentuation differed considerably. Putting one's complaints in perspective proved to be particularly important. At the same time, it became evident that patients, mainly males, had a fear of their roommates causing additional stress by illness, problems and disturbing behaviour. Male patients placed more emphasis on informational support aspects and, if possible, depended on spouses for stabilisation of their emotional balance. Female patients, on the other hand, described their relationships to roommates as being characterised by trust and understanding. At the same time, the inability to be alone was mentioned as a stress factor, particularly by the depressive females. The response pattern of the CHD patients also differed according to sex.