[What characterizes the problem psychiatric patient? Results of a study of patient descriptions using the Psychiatric Personnel Order]

Quality of life in schizophrenia measured by the MOS SF-36 and the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile: a comparison

OBJECTIVE

To compare two Quality of Life (QoL) instruments on reliability, feasibility and conceptual overlap in a group of schizophrenic out-patients.

METHOD

The Lancashire Quality of Life Profile (LQoLP) and the MOS SF-36 were used to assess the QoL of 143 schizophrenic out-patients.

RESULTS

Feasibility and reliability for both instruments were satisfying. Second order factor analysis on 10 LQoLP and eight MOS SF-36 scales resulted in three factors: one health related QoL factor and two general QoL factors; an internal and an external factor.

CONCLUSION

QoL measures in schizophrenia studies are not exchangeable. Validity of a specific QoL instrument depends upon the purpose of the study. The LQoLP allows suggestions for specific improvements in mental health care for long-term psychiatric patients. The SF-36 is a good choice when comparison with other patient groups on health related QoL is relevant.