Quality of Life and Depression in Schizophrenia Patients Living in a Nursing Home

Objective: Nursing homes are seen as alternative housing for patients with schizophrenia. However, it has not yet been established how suitable this accommodation is for schizophrenia patients. First aim of this study is to assess the quality of life and depression level in schizophrenic patients and compare this data with that of patients living with their families. Second aim is to assess factors related to the quality of living and depression state in all participants of this study. Method: This is a cross-sectional study conducted with patients presenting to the Psychotic Disorders Policlinic of the Beyhekim Psychiatric Clinic of Konya Training and Research Hospital consecutively between December 2012 and May 2013 who had received a diagnosis of schizophrenia according to DSM IV-TR. All participants were administered a sociodemographic data form, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), and Quality of Life Scale for Schizophrenia Patients (QLSSP). Results: CDSS scores were found to be significantly increased in schizophrenic patients living in nursing homes. Their QLSSP scores, including interpersonal relations, occupational role, mental symptoms, personal belongings/activity scores, and total scores were statistically significantly low. A significant negative correlation was observed between negative symptom levels and occupational area, mental findings, and the personal belongings/activity areas of quality of life. Between positive symptom levels and quality of life, only scores in the occupational area showed a significant negative correlation. A significant negative correlation between CSDS and QLS was observed in all areas. Conclusion: Quality of life and depression need to be evaluated in all schizophrenia patients, as they are conditions that significantly affect treatment and prognosis.