Life In Outpatients Research Articles

Frequency of angina and quality of life in outpatients with stable coronary artery disease in Turkey: insights from the PULSE study.

Cardiologists' approach to angina in outpatients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) is unclear. Therefore, we analysed data from the national multicentre, observational PULSE study to evaluate the frequency of angina, clinical variables affecting angina frequency and the impact of frequent angina on quality of life (QoL) in outpatients with stable CAD managed by cardiologists in secondary and tertiary health-care centres in Turkey. Adult outpatients with stable CAD in sinus rhythm were included. Data were collected at a single study visit from 83 centres. Patients were divided into five categories according to angina attack frequency. QoL was measured by the MacNew heart disease health-related QoL Questionnaire. The mean (standard deviation; SD) age of all patients (n = 2661) was 61.2 (10.2) years. Of 2,661 patients, 48.7% had no anginal attacks while 16.5% had minimal, 14.5% occasional, 12.2% regular and 8.1% frequent attacks. Angina attack frequency correlated positively with female sex, heart rate, the severity of angina. Emotional, physical, social, and global scores of QoL tended to decrease across angina attack frequency categories. Short- and long-acting nitrates, ivabradine were significantly more preferred in patients with higher frequency of angina attacks rather than beta blockers and calcium channel blockers. Insufficient angina control in outpatients with stable CAD requires reassessment of medical approach since it has a negative impact on QoL. The social and economic consequences of this burden should be sought on a national basis.

Self-stigma and quality of life in outpatients with depressive disorder – a cross-sectional study

BackgroundSelf-stigma is a maladaptive psychosocial phenomenon that may disturb many areas of patient's life and have the negative impact on their quality of life. The present study explored the association between self-stigma, quality of life, demographic data, and the severity of symptoms in patients with depressive disorder.MethodPatients, who met ICD-10 research criteria for depressive disorder, were enrolled in the cross-sectional study. All probands completed these measurements: the Quality of Life Satisfaction and Enjoyment Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q), the Internalised Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMI), demographic questionnaire, and the severity of the disorder measured by objective and subjective Clinical Global Impression severity scales (CGI).ResultsEighty-one depressive patients (with persistent affective disorder – dysthymia, major depressive disorder or recurrent depressive disorder) and 43 healthy controls contributed to the study. Comparing with the healthy control group, there was a lower quality of life in patients with depression. The level of self-stigma correlated positively with total symptom severity score and negatively with the quality of life. Multiple regression analysis discovered that the overall rating of objective symptoms severity and self-stigma were significantly associated with the quality of life.ConclusionsPresent study suggests the lower quality of life in outpatients with depressive disorder in comparison with healthy controls, and the negative impact of self-stigma level on quality of life in patients suffering from depressive disorders.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Connection between coping strategies and quality of life in outpatient with depression – cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe quality of life is a multidimensional phenomenon which represents all aspects of patient's well-being and various areas of the patient's life. Specific coping strategies may be connected with the quality of life and also with the severity of the disorder. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between the coping strategies and quality of life in outpatients with depressive disorder.MethodsEighty-two outpatients, who met ICD-10 criteria for depressive disorders, were enrolled in the cross-sectional study. Data on sociodemographic and clinical variables were recorded. Individuals with depression filled out the standardized measures: The Stress Coping Style Questionnaire (SVF-78), The Quality of Life Satisfaction and Enjoyment Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q), and The Clinical Global Impression (CGI).ResultsThe patients overuse negative coping strategies, especially, escape tendency and resignation. Using of positive coping is in average level (the strategy Positive self-instruction is little used). Coping strategies are significantly associated with quality of life. Higher using of positive coping has a positive association with QoL. The main factors related to QoL are the subjective severity of the disorder, employment and positive coping strategies according to regression analysis.ConclusionsThis study revealed the connection between coping strategies and quality of life in patients with depressive disorders. Strengthening the use of positive coping strategies may have a positive effect on the quality of life, mental conditions and treatment of patients with depression.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Substance use and quality of life in young adult psychiatric patients

IntroductionIt is known that several factors can influence the quality of life such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, the presence of mental illness or substance abuse.Objectives/aimsAssess quality of life of outpatients observed in Young Adult Unit of our Psychiatry Department (Coimbra Hospital and University Centre – Portugal) and its relation with substance use.MethodsSocio-demographic characterization of youth psychiatric outpatients observed during between 1st January 2015 and 31st July 2016. Portuguese versions of The Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) and The World Health Organization Quality of Life scale (WHOQOL-BREF) were administered. A Spearman correlation coefficient between ASSIST and WHOQOL-BREF scores was calculated.ResultsA total of 255 outpatients were observed: 64.3% females and 35.7% males; ages between 17 and 39 years old. ASSIST and WHOQOL-BREF were administered in 57 patients. Average ASSIST total score was 16.81 (median: 13.50), with tobacco and alcohol scoring higher. Average WHOQOL-BREF total was 13.74 (median: 13.67), with physical and psychological domains scoring less. We found a significant negative correlation between WHOQOL-BREF physical domain and ASSIST tobacco scores; and between WHOQOL-BREF social domain and ASSIST sedatives score.ConclusionsQuality of life is influenced by several factors. Studies showed that consumers of psychoactive substances have lower WHOQOL-BREF scores than nonusers. In our sample, we did not find a significant correlation between global quality of life and different substances. This may be due to existence of low consumption of substances in the sample as well as the existence of other factors that might have influenced quality of life.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

A Case Control Study of Subjective Quality of Life in Outpatients with Depression

Background: Depression is one of the leading causes of disability including impairment in the subjective Quality of Life (QOL) of the patient. Unfortunately, only a fraction receives the correct diagnosis and treatment in general practice. This study aims to determine the subjective Quality of Life of depressed patients. Method: A representative sample of adults, 18 years and above (100 each for cases and controls), were assessed for QOL using the World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument (WHOQOL-BREF). Respondents were also evaluated for socio-demographic factors. Major depressive disorder was assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Severity of depression was measured using Hamilton’s Rating Scale for Depression and global functioning was assessed with the Global Assessment of Functioning scale. Results: Majority of the participants were females (62.0%) and young with a mean age of 39.11 ± 12.40 years. Overall subjective QOL (P P P P P P < 0.001) in depressed patients compared to healthy control. Conclusion: The finding of the study showed that depression is a serious illness that affects the patient’s perception of the quality of his/her life. It is therefore very necessary to innovate better treatment modalities to reduce its burden.

507 - Quality of life in outpatients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

507 - Quality of life in outpatients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Sociodemographic Characteristic and Health Related Quality of Life in Outpatients of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus under JKN

Penelitian dilakukan untuk mengetahui perbedaan Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) terhadap karakteristik sosiodemografi antara pasien diabetes mellitus tipe 2 pada salah satu rumah sakit pemerintah di Jakarta. Penelitian dilaksanakan secara cross-sectional dari Februari sampai April 2015. Total sampel 83 pasien. Laki-laki 31(37,4%) dan perempuan 52 (62,6%). Terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan (P&lt;0,05) nilai HRQoL terhadap tingkat pendidikan. Berdasarkan nilai domain HRQoL, perempuan memiliki nilai lebih tinggi (69.82 ± 3.14) dibandingkan dengan laki-laki (67.32 ± 4.50) pada domain frekuensi gejala (P&lt;0,05). Pasien dengan usia yang lebih lanjut memiliki nilai tertinggi pada domain kepuasan (P&lt;0,05). Sebaliknya, pasien dengan usia lebih lanjut memiliki nilai terendah (64,14 ± 4,03) pada domain frekuensi gejala (P&lt;0,05). Pasien dengan tingkat pendikan SMA memiliki nilai lebih rendah (60,17 ± 24,65) pada domain kepuasan pengobatan dibandingkan dengan pasien dengan pendidikan diploma/sarjana (78,78 ± 21,98). Nilai domain frekuensi gejala lebih tinggi pada pasien bekerja dibandingkan dengan tidak bekerja (P&lt;0,05). Jumlah pendapatan tidak mempengaruhi secara signifikan terhadap nilai semua domain (P&gt;0,05) HRQoL. Selanjutnya, lama menderita diabetes mempengaruhi nilai domain kepuasan (P=0,05) dan frekuensi gejala (P=0,00). Sehingga dapat disimpulkan, karakteristik sosiodemografi meliputi tingkat pendidikan memiliki perbedaan secara signifikan terhadap kualitas hidup antara pasien rawat jalan diabetes mellitus tipe 2.

Is history of suicidal behavior related to social support and quality of life in outpatients with bipolar I disorder?

Bipolar disorder (BD) affects the social functioning and quality of life (QoL) of its patients. This study aimed to investigate whether there is an association between social support (SS), and suicidal behavior in BD I patients compared to healthy controls; secondarily, we evaluated the influence of QoL on those variables. A total of 119 euthymic outpatients with BD I, 46 of whom had attempted suicide (SAs) and 73 who had not (non-SAs), were compared to 63 healthy controls, through the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Scale and World Health Organization's Quality of Life Instrument. No differences were noted in SS and QoL between SAs and non-SAs. Compared to healthy controls, non-SAs showed lower values in the positive social interaction domain of SS, and the patients, as a whole, showed lower values in affectionate and positive social interaction domains of SS. Compared to healthy controls, SAs had lower values in the environmental domain of QoL, and the patients, as a whole, had lower values in the environmental, social, and psychological domains of QoL. There was positive correlation between SS and QoL. Although BD is a disabling disease, patients receive inadequate SS. Interventions that may alter the SS in these patients should be investigated.

Influence of special nursing intervention for the quality of life of patients with chronic pelvic inflammatory disease

Objective To discuss the influence of special nursing intervention for the quality of life of outpatients with chronic pelvic inflammatory disease. Methods Divided 80 patients into the observation group and the control group randomly, there were 40 cases in each group. Routine nursing, treatment and disease-related lecture were used in both the groups, while the combined therapy of Chinese and Western medicine was used in the observation group in addition. Evaluated the quality of life and the effects of treatment by the World Health Organization′s quality of surviving chart between the two groups after 3-month intertention and 6-month follow-up. Results The scores of quality of environment field, physiology field ,psychological field, sociological field, independence field and mental field in the observation group was(70.33+ 16.85)(70.38+ 18.80),(71.43+ 18.28),(70.13+ 19.08),(73.10+ 17.70)and(75.38+7.30)respectively, while in the control group was(61.38+16.17),(56.70+17.69),(43.13+19.77),(55.00+19.08),(53.75+16.45)and(49.80+17.26)respectively, the difference between the two groups was significant, the t values were 2.424-8.631, P < 0.05. The effective rate of treatment in the observation group was 95.00%(38/40), while in the control group was 82.5%(33/40), the difference was significant, U= 2.507, P < 0.05. Conclusions Special nursing intervention can promote the quality of life ,effects of treatment and the satisfaction of treatment in outpatients with chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, improve their psychological state and the compliance. Key words: Quality of life; Nursing intervention; Outpatient follow-up; Chronic pelvic inflammation

Health-related quality of life in outpatients with primary central nervous system lymphoma after radiotherapy and high-dose methotrexate chemotherapy.

Chemoradiotherapy for primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is associated with a considerable risk of long-term neurotoxicity. The present study aimed to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of outpatients with PCNSL who have received radiotherapy and high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) chemotherapy, and to determine the factors that cause a decline in HRQOL and interfere with home living. A total of 37 patients were surveyed 0.9-14.2 years after their initial diagnosis and treatment. Each patient completed a multi-part HRQOL questionnaire that was used to examine the associations of HRQOL scores with leukoencephalopathy, Karnofsky performance status (KPS) scores, age, history of recurrence and HDMTX-based chemoradiotherapy. The results demonstrated that the history of recurrence, number of cycles of MTX chemotherapy and age affected the development of leukoencephalopathy. Reductions in KPS score were associated with a history of recurrence (P=0.03), but not with leukoencephalopathy (P=0.8). KPS score, leukoencephalopathy and age were significantly associated with a decline in HRQOL score. A decline in the HRQOL associated with a reduction in KPS score was also observed by multivariate analyses. Deterioration of the HRQOL among outpatients with PCNSL post-chemoradiotherapy was significantly associated with older age (≥66 years) and decreased KPS score. Older patients with a history of recurrence had a higher risk for deteriorated QOL due to development of leukoencephalopathy. Therefore, it is recommended that clinicians monitor the KPS score among outpatients with PCNSL. QOL examination for older patients with a lower KPS score was found to be particularly important for identifying any obstacles for home living.

Correlation between Six-Minutes’ Walk Test and Quality of Life in Heart Failure Patients

Background : The problem of heart failure patient relates with reduced functional capacity and eventually leads to declined quality of life (QoL). Improved QoL may not relate to better functional capacity since QoL is influenced by patient’s expectation to the on-going treatment. This study was conducted to investigate the correlation between six-minutes’ walk test (6MWT) as a measure for functional capacity and QoL of heart failure patient in Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital. Methods : This cross sectional study involved 32 patients who were on planned visit at the outpatient clinic of Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital Bandung from September to October 2013. Subjects were chosen using consecutive sampling. The correlation of 6MWT and QoL assessed using modified Minnesota Living and Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) was analyzed through Pearson’s correlation test. Results : There was a significant correlation between distance covered in 6MWT and QoL (r=-0.354, p&lt;0.05). The mean of six-minute walk distance was 277.96 (±42.17) and mean of QoL score was 33.41 (±7.88). In accordance with the findings in previous studies, this study revealed correlation between the distance obtained in 6MWT and the QoL score in heart failure patient. Conclusions : There is correlation between 6MWT and quality of life in outpatients with heart failure at Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital. [AMJ.2015;2(4):469–73] DOI: 10.15850/amj.v2n4.629

Relationship between cognitive insight and subjective quality of life in outpatients with schizophrenia.

BackgroundThe concept of cognitive insight refers to the cognitive processes involved in patients’ re-evaluation of their anomalous experiences and of their misinterpretations. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between cognitive insight and subjective quality of life in patients with schizophrenia to further shed light on the nature of cognitive insight and its functional correlates in schizophrenia.MethodsSeventy-one stable outpatients with schizophrenia were evaluated for cognitive insight and subjective quality of life using the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale (BCIS) and the Schizophrenia Quality of Life Scale Revision 4 (SQLS-R4). The symptoms of schizophrenia were also assessed. Pearson’s correlation analysis and partial correlation analysis that controlled for the severity of symptoms were performed to adjust for the possible effects of symptoms.ResultsThe self-reflectiveness subscale score of the BCIS had significant positive correlations with the SQLS-R4 psychosocial domain and total SQLS-R4 scores, indicating that the higher the level of cognitive insight, the lower the subjective quality of life. In partial correlation analysis controlling for symptoms, the BCIS self-reflectiveness subscale score still had a significant correlation with the SQLS-R4 psychosocial domain score. The correlation coefficient between the BCIS self-reflectiveness and total SQLS-R4 scores was reduced to a nonsignificant statistical tendency.ConclusionThe results of our study suggest that cognitive insight, particularly the level of self-reflectiveness, is negatively associated with the level of subjective quality of life in outpatients with schizophrenia and that this relationship is not wholly due to the confounding effect of symptoms. Future studies are necessary to explore possible mediating and moderating factors and to evaluate the effects of therapeutic interventions on the relationship.

Boredom proneness predicts quality of life in outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.

There is increasing recognition of the clinical significance of boredom associated with functional impairments in schizophrenia. Previous work has highlighted the importance of motivational deficits more broadly, although no study has yet explored the unique effects of boredom on community outcomes. This study aims to measure boredom proneness among outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia to determine whether it is elevated in this population and to determine its relation to quality-of-life outcomes. A self-report measure of boredom proneness along with standard measures of symptoms and functional status was administered to a community-dwelling sample of schizophrenia outpatients. Boredom proneness was found to be elevated in this population and was associated with reduced quality of life, specifically with leisure activity dissatisfaction and reduced sense of financial well-being. Negative symptoms were determined to be associated with reduced work and school functioning. This pattern of unique effects on quality of life highlights the clinical relevance of identifying a subjective state of boredom and has theoretical importance in distinguishing boredom proneness specifically from more general avolitional and amotivational conditions that have tended to be the focus of clinical observation and previous research.

Effects of a group physical activity program on physical fitness and quality of life in individuals with schizophrenia

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 16-week group physical activity (PA) program on physical fitness and quality of life in outpatients with schizophrenia. MethodsNineteen outpatients with schizophrenia were divided into experimental (EG) (n = 8; mean age 39 ± 7 years) and control (CG) (n = 11; mean age 40 ± 6 years) groups. The EG underwent twice a week sessions of a group PA program for a period of 16-week. The participants completed a battery of tests at baseline and after 16-week, which included the assessment of body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), functional exercise capacity (6MWT), physical activity levels (accelerometers), quality of life (WHOQOL-Brief), and anthropometric measures. During the program different strategies were implemented to ensure the participants' adherence. ResultsThe attendance to the program was 79.7%. In the EG a significant decrease was observed in hip circumference (p = 0.02); a significant increase occurred in moderate to vigorous physical activity (p = 0.05) and in the environment domain (WHOQOL-Brief) (p = 0.02). The improvement in environment domain scores was also associated with a decrease in sedentary behavior (r = −0.82, p = 0.01) in the EG. ConclusionsThe strategies used during the program promoted a high rate of attendance. PA may have a positive impact on the participants' ability to perform activities of daily living. This study showed that a group PA program can be successfully implemented for outpatients with schizophrenia and can influence their quality of life and PA levels.

Frequency of angina and quality of life in outpatients with stable coronary artery disease in Turkey: insights from the PULSE study

Objective Cardiologists’ approach to angina in outpatients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) is unclear. Therefore, we analysed data from the national multicentre, observational PULSE study to evaluate the frequency of angina, clinical variables affecting angina frequency and the impact of frequent angina on quality of life (QoL) in outpatients with stable CAD managed by cardiologists in secondary and tertiary health-care centres in Turkey.Methods and results Adult outpatients with stable CAD in sinus rhythm were included. Data were collected at a single study visit from 83 centres. Patients were divided into five categories according to angina attack frequency. QoL was measured by the MacNew heart disease health-related QoL Questionnaire. The mean (standard deviation; SD) age of all patients (n = 2661) was 61.2 (10.2) years. Of 2,661 patients, 48.7% had no anginal attacks while 16.5% had minimal, 14.5% occasional, 12.2% regular and 8.1% frequent attacks. Angina attack frequency correlated positively with female sex, heart rate, the severity of angina. Emotional, physical, social, and global scores of QoL tended to decrease across angina attack frequency categories. Short- and long-acting nitrates, ivabradine were significantly more preferred in patients with higher frequency of angina attacks rather than beta blockers and calcium channel blockers.Conclusions Insufficient angina control in outpatients with stable CAD requires reassessment of medical approach since it has a negative impact on QoL. The social and economic consequences of this burden should be sought on a national basis.

Quality-of-Life assessment in malignant pleural effusion treated with indwelling pleural catheter: A prospective study

Background: Malignant pleural effusion is a clinical problem that impairs Quality of Life in patients with advanced malignancies. An indwelling pleural catheter is an alternative treatment to palliate some of the symptoms. Aim: To evaluate the Quality of Life of outpatients with malignant pleural effusion who were treated with an indwelling pleural catheter. Questionnaire compliance, catheter patency time, and survival were analyzed. Design: A multicenter observational study was conducted across five hospitals in Spain. Quality of Life was assessed at three different time points (before catheter placement and at 30 and 60 days post-placement) using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Questionnaire QLQ-C30. For lung cancer patients, the QLQ-LC13 was also used. Participants: Patients with recurrent malignant pleural effusion treated with an indwelling pleural catheter. Results: A total of 51 outpatients completed the baseline QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Of these, 28 completed the questionnaire at 30 days. Of these 28 patients, 13 completed the questionnaire at 60 days. Scores showed a significant improvement in symptoms scales at 30 days (p = 0.03). Global health status and functional scales showed a non-significant trend to improvement at 30 and 60 days. A total of 27 lung cancer patients completed the QLQ-LC13 questionnaire. Items assessing dyspnea showed a significant improvement following catheter placement (p = 0.002). Conclusion: Indwelling pleural catheter is useful for palliative management of recurrent malignant pleural effusion in that it benefits Quality of Life in outpatients with advanced malignancies. In lung cancer patients, scores indicated that indwelling pleural catheter also provides significant relief of dyspnea.

Predictors of Health-Related Quality of Life in Outpatients with Cirrhosis: Results from a Prospective Cohort

Background. Cirrhosis may lead to a poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL), which should be taken into consideration when addressing the cirrhotic outpatient. Methods. Prospective cohort study evaluating predictors of HRQOL in outpatients with cirrhosis. Patients with overt hepatic encephalopathy at baseline were excluded. HRQOL was evaluated at baseline using the six point Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire. Predictors of low quality of life scores (<4 points) and mortality were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Results. In total, 92 patients were included (mean age 61 years, 59% male). Nineteen patients died (mean duration of follow-up 20 months). The mean Child-Pugh score was 6.9. Twenty percent had a poor HRQOL judged by the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire score and 45% had covert hepatic encephalopathy. The only predictors of poor HRQOL were the Child-Pugh score (β=0.45;P = 0.013), nonalcoholic etiology of cirrhosis (β=−2.34;P = 0.009), and body mass index (β=−0.20;P = 0.023). The body mass index predicted poor HRQOL independently of the presence of ascites and albumin level. Conclusions. The body mass index was associated with a low HRQOL. This suggests that malnutrition may be an important target in the management of patients with cirrhosis.

Effectiveness of nurse-delivered patient education interventions on quality of life in outpatients: A systematic review

BackgroundNursing education is a crucial part of nursing practice; however, evidence regarding its impact on quality of life is lacking. No review has addressed the effects of overall nursing education interventions on the quality of life in a general outpatient population. ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of nurse-delivered education interventions compared with usual care with regard to the quality of life of outpatients. MethodsA systematic search was performed to identify randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of nurse-delivered educational interventions on the quality of life of outpatients. The search was performed in December 2012 in the MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE (via Ovid), and CINAHL (via EBSCO) databases and was limited with regard to publication time and language. The studies were appraised according to methodological quality, and p values were extracted to determine the effectiveness of the interventions. ResultsTwenty-nine studies were included in the review. Approximately 70% of the studies included showed no effects on quality of life. The studies that showed positive effects each used different types of interventions. A methodological appraisal revealed biases in most of the studies. Conclusions and Implications of Key FindingsBecause of an overall lack of effectiveness and heterogeneity between studies, no evidence for the effectiveness of nursing education interventions in outpatients was observed. Further studies should examine interventions that focus on quality of life using validated measures.

Quality of life in outpatients with depression in China

BackgroundQuality of life (QOL) is an important outcome measure for patients with depression, but QOL research involving large samples of patients has been uncommon. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the QOL of Chinese outpatients with depression and its determinants. MethodsUsing a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected continuously from 19,984 outpatients; 19,950 usable questionnaires were obtained. Along with the QOL index (WHOQOL-BREF), the questionnaire also included participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, outpatient visits, and medication use information. ResultsLess than 5% of depressed patients reported “good” or “very good” QOL, while less than 3% were satisfied with their general health. The overall score was low (54.12); four QOL domain (physical health, psychological, social relationships, and environment) scores (range, 35.03–40.10) were significantly lower than in other community population surveys. QOL scores were significantly lower among first-visit than non-first-visit patients. Medication users reported significantly higher QOL scores than non-users, with NaSSA more effective than SSRIs, followed by other types, SNRIs, and no medication, in that order. LimitationsSince this was an observational, cross-sectional survey with continuous outpatient data collection method instead of random sampling, generalization of the results is limited, and causality cannot be determined. However, the “natural” observational design, large sample size, and similarity in findings with other studies reveal the “real world” QOL of depressed outpatients in mainland China. ConclusionsDepressed patients had a low QOL, and the scores of first-visit patients with severe symptoms were significantly lower than non-first-visit patients. Though medication can improve patients’ QOL, different types of medications have different impacts.

Subjective Quality of Life and Sexual Dysfunction in Outpatients With Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder

The objective of this research was to examine the association between sexual dysfunction and subjective quality of life in outpatients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. The authors evaluated a sample of 238 adult outpatients with diagnoses of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who took quetiapine, olanzapine, or risperidone at study entry with a 1-time rating of the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale and the general life satisfaction scale item of the Quality of Life Index. The authors used multiple linear robust regression and Spearman partial correlation coefficient to examine the relation between subjective quality of life (measured by the general life satisfaction scale item) and sexual functioning (measured by the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale). The authors found a significant negative linear relation between the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale total score and the general life satisfaction scale item for the overall sample (r s = –0.16, p = .01), but not separately for men or women. Sexual dysfunction in men and women with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder is associated with decreased subjective quality of life, although the magnitude of the effect size was relatively small. Improving clinicians’ awareness of the importance of sexual dysfunction in patients may improve tolerability and subsequent treatment outcomes.