Self-report quality of life measure for people with schizophrenia: the SQLS

Background Quality of life is the subject of growing interest and investiga tion. Aims To develop and validate a short, self- report quality of life question naire (the Schizophrenia Quality of Life Scale, SQLS). Method People with schizophrenia in Liverpool were recruited via the NHS. I tems, generated from in-depth interviews, were developed into an 80-item se lf-report questionnaire. Data were factor analysed, and a shorter form meas ure was tested for reliability and validity. This measure was administered together with other self-report measures - SF-36,GHQ-12 and HADS - to asses s validity. Results Data were analysed to produce a final 30-item questionnaire, compri sing three scales ('psychosocial', 'motivation and energy'. and 'symptoms a nd side-effects')addressing different SQLS dimensions. Internal consistency reliability of the scale was found to be satisfactory. There was a high le vel of association with relevant SF-36, GHQ-12 and HADS scores. Conclusions The SQLS was completed within 5-10 minutes. it possesses intern al reliability and construct validity, and promises to be a useful tool for the evaluation of new treatment regimes for people with schizophrenia.