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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Meijer
C J
CJ
Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Schene
A H
AH
Koeter
M W J
MW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000453:epidemiology; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires