Correlates of Quality of life in patients with Schizophrenia

BACKGROUND: Quality of life (QOL) is considered an important outcome in the treatment of schizophrenia, but the correlates of QOL are poorly understood in this population. AIM: To evaluate the correlates of quality of life in patients with schizophrenia, currently in clinical remission. METHODOLOGY: 160 patients of schizophrenia in clinical remission were assessed on Self-report Quality of Life Measure, Demoralization Scale, Positive and Negative scale for schizophrenia, Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia, Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale, Everyday discrimination scale, Rosenberg Self esteem Scale, Brief COPE and Brief Dyadic Scale of Expressed Emotions. Appropriate statistical analyses were applied. RESULTS: The mean age of the study sample was 34.99 (SD: 9.13) years. The number of males outnumbered females. Total score on quality of life scale had statistically significant correlation with depression, discrimination, all domains of demoralization, loneliness, stigma, expressed emotions self esteem, maladaptive coping, total coping score and hopelessness. CONCLUSION: There is a need to routinely evaluate the patients of schizophrenia for quality of life and address various psychological distress to improve quality of life.