Subjective quality of life of Nigerian schizophrenia patients: sociodemographic and clinical correlates

Authors: Adewuya, A. O.¹; Makanjuola, R. O. A.²

Source: Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, Volume 120, Number 2, August 2009 , pp. 160-164(5)

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Abstract:

Adewuya AO, Makanjuola ROA. Subjective quality of life of Nigerian schizophrenia patients: sociodemographic and clinical correlates. Objective:

Subjective quality of life (QOL) is dependent upon culture and its evaluation based on one's particular belief system. This study aimed to examine the subjective QOL of Nigerian out-patients with schizophrenia and its correlates. Method:

Out-patients with Schizophrenia (n = 99) completed the WHOQOL-BREF as a measure of their subjective QOL. Sociodemographic, illness related and medication related details were also obtained. Results:

Overall, 21 patients (21.2%) were categorised as having `good' and 36 (36.4%) as having `poor' subjective QOL. `Poor' subjective QOL correlated with anxiety/depression symptoms (OR 4.88, 95% CI 2.93-11.48), comorbid medical problems (OR 4.75, 95% CI 1.43-16.33), unemployment (OR 3.75, 95% CI 1.25-11.72) and poor social support (OR 4.60, 95% CI 1.49-14.28). Conclusion:

Efforts to improve the QOL of patients with schizophrenia in this environment should encompass the identified variables. Larger, longitudinal and multi-centred studies are needed to adequately identify factors predicting QOL in this environment.

Keywords: quality of life; schizophrenia; out-patients; cross-culture

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0447.2009.01395.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Behavioural Medicine, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria 2: Department of Mental Health, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Publication date: 2009-08-01