An Analytical Study on Quality of Life and Family Support of Patients with Parkinson's Disease

Sohng, Kyeong Yae; Lee, Kwang Soo; Choi, Dong Won

Abstract

PURPOSE
Investigation of the quality of life (QoL), family support and associated variables in patients with Parkinson's disease. METHODS: The data were collected from 102 patients registered in the neurology department of C University Hospital. QoL was assessed using the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) and Family Support Scale. Modified Hoehn and Yahr (H & Y) stages were obtained from an interview and clinical examination by a neurologist. Collected data were analyzed using the SAS program. RESULTS: The participants' PDQ-39 average score was 34.34. The scores were significantly higher for participants who were older, who had a job, and who were over 2.5 on the H & Y stage. The average for Family support scores was 41.6. Participants who had a living spouse, religion and a job scored higher than those who did not. PDQ-39 score had a positive correlation with age, job, and H & Y stage. Family support and PDQ-39 score were also positively correlated. CONCLUSION: It is recommended a program involving family that improves family support and be developed and that it be varied according to different H & Y stages, in order to improve QoL.