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Schizophrenia and quality of life: patient-reported outcomes on group family psychoeducation

Publication |
2004

Abstract

The enhancement of quality of life (QoL) and reduction of the social impairment resulting from schizophernia could be achieved in the complex of family psychoeducational program. The goals of the study were (1) to identify the differences between QoL of patients and general population, (2) to investigate if those possible differences could be influenced by family psychoeducation and (3) to collect the patients' impressions about the main assets from the program.

Subjective Quality of Life Analysis (SQUALA) was administrated to 39 out-patients (age mean 29,87) before the psychoeducational program and 3 month later. Their QOL scores before the program were compared with the QOL of 78 demographically matched controls (case-control design).

The Psychoeducation Outcomes Questionnaire (POQ) was mailed to all participants one-year after the program. Compared to their healthy counterparts the patients with schizophrenia had significantly lower QoL (QOL) with significant impairment in Health and Close Relationships Domains.

There were no differences between total QOL of first-episode and multi-episode schizophrenia controls. The patients improved significantly in Physical Autonomy after the program.

Participants were sent the POQ one year after psychoeducation to collect their impressions about the main assets from the program. They acknowledged: (1) the importance of delivered information, (2) an opportunity to share their experience with the illness with others during the treatment group sessions and (3) better reconciliation with the fact of being ill.

They welcomed even required participation of their relatives in the program