Quality of Life in the First Admitted Schizophrenic Patients: A Retrospective Follow-up Study

Choi, Jee Wook; Hong, Jin Pyo; Kim, Chang Yoon; Lee, Chul; Han, Oh Su

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
One object of this study is to provide a descriptive level of quality of lift(QOL)in a group of the first admitted schizophrenic patients through interviews being performed after two or five years of follow-up, and comparing them with patients in psychotic disorders other than schizophrenia. Another object is to identify clinical variables on the first admission which correlate to QOL factors, after two or five years of follow up.
METHODS
A total of 73 subjects of the first admitted patients with schizophrenia(n=57) and psychotic disorders other than schizophrenia(other psychotic disorders group, n=16) were selected. A Quality of Life Scale(QLS) measuring 21 items of life variables was used. Demographic and psychiatric data were obtained through medical records and psychiatric
RESULTS
Schizophrenia group(n=57) showed moderate decrease(mean 3.7 of 6) in all aspect of Quality of life. However, the schizophrenia group displayed a relatively high score in relations with household members(mean=5.2) only among 21 QOL items. Comparison to other psychotic disorders group(n=16), schizophrenia group showed a significant decrease in almost all aspects of QOL. We significant difference was obtained between the 2 year(n=27) and the 5 year(n=30) group. Duration of the first admission showed a significant correlation with current quality of life in the schizophrenic group.
CONCLUSIONS
The significantly decreased score of quality of lit: suggests the need for careful observation and therapeutic concern for the early stage of schizophrenia. The schizophrenic group's relatively high score in relations with household members in this period may provide the importance of rehabilitation to improve their quality of life. Duration of the first admission may be a useful predictor of their subsequent quality of life.