Correlation indexes between quality of life (QoL) and the current psychopathology in Greek chronic schizophrenics

Abstract

Background and aims:

There is considerable concern in quality of life research in determining the influence of clinical variables upon the quality of life of schizophrenic patients With reference to the psychopathology, a number of researchers agree that there is an influence upon QoL in schizophrenic patients. In our study, we try to find a possible correlation between the perceived satisfaction in daily life domains in Greek chronic schizophrenic patients residing in intermediate structures, and their positive – negative and general psychopathological symptoms, just five years after their deinstitutionalization.

Methods:

To that end, the following questionnaires – scales: a) the Baker and Intagliata questionnaire “Satisfaction with Life Domains Scale” (S.L.D.S.) b) the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) c) the Global Assessment of Fuctioning (GAF) Scale were administered to a random sample of three hundred fifty five (325) chronic schizophrenics, residing in boardinghouses, transitional hostels, protected apartments in the whole Greece.

Results:

The total level of perceived satisfaction in daily life domains, as well as partial indexes, were investigated in relation to the intensity of positive - negative and general symptoms of the existing schizophrenic psychopathology at the time of the patients assessments.

Conclusions:

We found that the satisfaction of these patients draw from their whole daily life a) is correlated negatively with the illness's positive and general scale, b) there are differences between the perceived satisfaction in relation to the gravity of their positive – negative and general symptoms of schizophrenia.