Perceived satisfaction from everyday life: are there any predictors in chronic schizophrenics?

Background

The purpose of this research was the study of possible factors that predict the perceived satisfaction from everyday life in chronic schizophrenics.

Material and Methods

One hundred-two patients (56 men and 46 women), aged 27–70 years, who fulfilled the criteria a) of schizophrenia according to ICD-10 and b) those of chronicity, were examined. The mean age of their education was 88.9 years. The patients were evaluated with the following scales: Satisfaction with Life Domain scale (SLDS), PANSS, GAF, BPRS and MMSE. Patients with neuro-degenerative diseases and severe cognitive dysfunction, as well as alcohol and substance abusers were excluded from the study.

Results

According to the analysis it was found that a) there is a negative correlation between the perceived satisfaction from everyday life with the positive syndrome scale, the general psychopathology, the total score of PANSS, as well as the score in BPRS scale. Furthermore, the perceived satisfaction of everyday life correlates negatively with i) certain demographic factors ii) the entanglement with community services and iii) the existence of a protected job or occupation. b) It was also found that the perceived satisfaction of everyday life correlates positively with the patient's functioning c) Linear Regression Analysis showed that predictors of perceived satisfaction from everyday life in chronic schizophrenics are the positive syndrome of PANSS scale (r = 0.375, B = -0.618, Beta = -0.295) and the existence or not of a job/occupation (r = 0.440, B = -3.478, Beta = -2.44).

Discussion

Although a lot of factors correlate with and influence the perceived satisfaction from everyday life in chronic schizophrenics, the best predictors for their quality of life are the existence of a positive syndrome and a protected job/occupation.