Clinical correlates of objective and subjective quality of life among middle-aged and elderly female inpatients with chronic schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to illustrate the relationship between objective and subjective measures of quality of life (QOL) and to identify the factors influencing QOL in a sample of middle-aged and elderly female patients with schizophrenia in Japan.

METHODS: Middle-aged and elderly female inpatients with schizophrenia (n=66; mean age [SD]: 68.0 [8.0]) were assessed using the Quality of Life Scale (QLS), Lancashire Quality of Life Profile (LQLP), Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS), and Rehabilitation Evaluation Hall and Baker (REHAB). Correlation analyses among the measures and regression analyses of objective and subjective QOL measures (QLS and LQLP) were conducted. Explanations of results for the two types of QOL measures in terms of psychotic symptomatology and adjustment variables (PANSS and REHAB) are discussed.

RESULTS: There was no salient correlation between objective and subjective QOL measures. The regression analyses identified PANSS anergia and REHAB community skills as factors influencing objective QOL, whereas PANSS depression and paranoid/belligerence were factors influencing subjective QOL.

CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated that objective and subjective QOL domains should be treated separately in clinical practice for this patient population. Some QOL factors identified in the regression analyses can be used as targets to improve QOL. The findings have important clinical implications for the assessment and treatment of this patient population.