Calidad de vida en pacientes con esquizofrenia de ascendencia étnica aymara en el norte de Chile

Psychometric properties of the Seville quality of life questionnaire in Mexican patients with psychosis

BACKGROUND

The Seville Quality of Life Questionnaire (CSCV) was designed to assess quality of life in patients with schizophrenia taking into account those facets particularly important in this disorder. The study aimed at applying the CSCV to a sample of Mexican patients with psychosis in an effort further substantiates the psychometric properties of the CSCV.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 61 patients (56 % female) with psychosis. Item-scale and item-factor correlations were analyzed, as well as scale-factor correlations. Cronbach's Alpha and principal component analysis with varimax rotation were used to assess internal consistency and construct validity, respectively.

RESULTS

Analyses of both, disfavorable and favorable dimensions, showed a stronger item-scale than item-factor correlation, in most cases significant, though. Internal consistency was significant and adequate; higher for scales than for factors. For the disfavorable and the favorable scales 11 and 2 factors were obtained, respectively; explained variance was low.

CONCLUSIONS

In this sample of Mexican patients it was replicated that the CSCV is a valid and reliable instrument to assess quality of life in people with psychosis; the use of scale scores is recommended.

Quality of life in Mexican patients with primary neurological or musculoskeletal disabilities

BACKGROUND

As the population with a disability increases both in number and life expectancy, so does its demand for health services. Very little original research has been done in Mexican populations regarding the effect of disability on quality of life.

OBJECTIVES

1) Assessing the subjective quality of life of patients with neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related function disabilities and, 2) Analyzing the possible effect of the medical condition (diseases of the nervous system vs. diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue) and its interaction with sex and age.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional design 330 participants were recruited from a public institution in Mexico providing specialized outpatient rehabilitation. After signing informed consent they responded a brief sociodemographic questionnaire and the WHOQOL-BREF scale.

RESULTS

In general quality of life levels were satisfactory. Female and elderly patients with diseases of the nervous system were particularly affected in the physical and psychological dimensions. Women with diseases of the nervous system also showed a negatively affected social quality of life. Elderly with diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue scored the lowest in general health perception.

CONCLUSIONS

Even though most patients were quite satisfied with their quality of life, not all aspects or cases have such positive perceptions; both the physical and psychological dimensions were particularly negative in female and elderly patients with nervous system diseases. Clinicians would do well to thoughtfully assess patients in these groups and adjust treatment to achieve the greatest possible rehabilitation.

Illness course and quality of life in Mexican patients with psychosis

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the differences in the quality of life of patients with psychosis according to the course of the illness.

METHOD

Clinical records and SCID-I interviews were used to establish the course of the illness and to categorize it according to 3 criteria: a) relapses, b) residual symptoms, and c) clinical diagnosis. Subjective quality of life was assessed with the Seville Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Sixty one patients (56% women) participated, reporting a mostly adequate quality of life. An illness course characterized by the presence of residual symptoms, rather than by the occurrence of any relapse or the progression of a first-episode psychosis into schizophrenia, showed a negative effect on the perceived quality of life of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical services provided to patients with psychosis should focus not only on symptoms remission and relapse prevention, but also achieving a recovery with a satisfactory quality of life. Having identified residual symptoms as a crucial factor negatively affecting quality of life, clinicians must carefully assess them and treat them, in order to achieve the best possible recovery.