A Comparison of Quality-of-Life in Schizophrenia and Affective Disorder Patients in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

This study determined the degree of satisfaction with various aspects of life in patients with affective disorders and schizophrenia in a Nigerian tertiary hospital. We compared quality-of-life (QOL) at onset-of-illness (first episode) with QOL at time of study and identified sociodemographic and clinical variables that may predict QOL. All consenting patients with ICD-10 compatible diagnosis of schizophrenia ( n = 100) and affective disorders ( n = 35) receiving treatment in the study center during the study period were interviewed. The WHOQOL-Bref was used to assess respondents' subjective QOL, and a data-collection sheet assessed objective domains of QOL. Respondents with schizophrenia and affective disorders had a good outcome in terms of objective QOL scores. In both groups, however, the subjective ratings were poor as the illness progresses. We conclude that in Nigerian hospital cases, patients with schizophrenia andaffective disorders have a good outcome in terms of objective QOL scores, which are not in consonance with their subjective ratings. Marital status and employment status are predictive of QOL