Participants
gastrointestinal symptoms, anxiety, muscular symptoms, dementia, psychosis, depression, substance abuse
Three hundred and seventy women participated in the study. Inclusion criteria were (a) has some form of mental and / or physical health problems such as depression, anxiety, gastrointestinal symptoms, muscular symptoms and/or cardiovascular symptoms, (b) sick leave for a maximum of 30 days during the past two months, (c) understands and can speak Swedish and fill in forms, (d) no severe illnesses such as psychosis, severe depression, or dementia, (e) is not receiving palliative care, (f) has no known current alcohol or substance abuse. Potential participants applied to take part in the study after advertisements in the local press. A research nurse telephoned women expressing an interest in participation and provided further information about the study with an opportunity to ask questions. All women who met the inclusion criteria and accepted participation in the study were included. The exclusion criterium applied after inclusion was new onset of severe psychological stress or illness.Written informed consent to sign and self-administrated questionnaires regarding health and health-related quality of life were distributed either electronically using the software Esmaker or by ordinary mail.