Factors influencing quality of life in schizophrenia patients: A one-year follow up study

Background: The authors designed this study to identify QOL tendencies in schizophrenic patients over time and explore important predictive factors. Methods: Researchers used structured interviews based on the Taiwanese version of the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile (LQOLP) to collect data. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS10.0. Results: Results showed that: (1) subject "self esteem," "balanced affect," and "psychiatric symptoms" improved and life quality declined at one-year follow-up; (2) At time period 2, researchers identified significant correlations amongst subjective life quality, self esteem and balanced affect, a significant correlation between subjective life quality and affective symptoms, and no significant correlation between subjective life quality and positive / negative psychiatric symptoms; (3) Multiple regression analysis results showed positive self concept and negative affects, affective symptoms at time period 2, positive self concept and affective symptoms at time period 1, and living conditions and leisure aspects of subjective life quality at time period 1 to all be significant predictors of overall subjective life quality at the one-year follow-up. Conclusion: Using an instrument that emphasizes both subjective and objective aspects of quality of life, this longitudinal study demonstrated the bio-psycho-social influence on quality of life in patients with schizophrenia. Results enrich the holistic perspective of patient care and rehabilitation.