Predictive factors of physical and mental health quality of life among a 10-year outcome study of early intervention program for psychosis

Abstract

Background: Though achieving symptomatic remission is an important goal for intervention of patients with schizophrenia, subjective sense of well-being, such as quality of life (QoL) should also be emphasis. Objectives: This study aims to examine the effects of clinical parameters such as symptoms, medication side effects, number of hospitalization and number of relapse on both physical and mental health component score of QOL in patients with schizophrenia ten years after their first onset of the illness. Methods: A total of 110 subjects, who received (EI) service between 2001 to 2002 were recruited (age between 15–25). All were interviewed for symptomatology and side effects of medications. Quality of life was measured using the SF-36 Physical Health and Mental Health Component Scores. Clinical records were reviewed for hospitalization and number of relapse. Linear regression was performed to examine contributing factors to quality of life. Findings: The physical component score of QOL measure was found to be predicted by negative symptoms SANS-Avolition (p=−0.025) and the mental components of QOL measures were found to be predicted by Anxiety and Depression (p=−0.002). No difference was found in number of hospitalization, and relapse over 10 years. Conclusions: This study suggested that negative symptoms and affective symptoms contributed significantly to the quality of life but not positive symptoms or side effects of medication in a group of patients who has been having the conditions for 10 years. This draws upon more attention to the detection and management of this aspects of symptoms for patients with schizophrenia.