A survey of the self-rated quality of life of individuals with schizophrenia in community residential settings

Objectives: To evaluate the self-rated or subjective quality of life of ind ividuals with schizophrenia in residential care settings. Method: Forty individuals who fulfilled DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia w ere interviewed using the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile. Results: Fifty-two per cent of the sample reported their global subjective quality of life to be satisfactory. Global subjective quality of life was r ated lower than the majority of life domains evaluated. The areas of least satisfaction included finances and work. However, the majority of patients were satisfied with their living situation, safety, health, religion, leisu re, social and family relations. There was some evidence of a quality of li fe gradient across these residential settings. Conclusions: Although these patients were satisfied with the majority of li fe domains assessed, these data need to be interpreted cautiously given the limitations of the study design and the method used to evaluate quality of life.