Quality of Life Among Schizophrenic Patients in Gaza Governorates

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess quality of life among schizophrenic patients in Gazagovernorates. Study design, is a descriptive- analytical design to conduct this study. This study focused on the quality of life including its different domain among schizophrenic patient in Gaza governorates. Study sample: A stratified random sample of sample male and female between the ages of 20 to 45 years, who treatment in psychiatric primary care clinics in the Gaza strip 160 participants of schizophrenic patients is taken from population lists who attend 6 psychiatric primary care centers. 137 of the participant respond to the study tools. Data collection: The information was collected by questionnaire designed to measure the quality of life this questionnaire specially prepared for this purpose from the World Health Organization, as well as information collected through the files and medical reports. Results: With analyzing results and connect them with the QOL the percentage of the total scores of the QOL among the study sample 44%, Moreover, the highest domain was the environmental 51.5%, and the lowest domain was the social at 35.4%. There were statistical significant differences in QOL due to gender favor the female in psychological, social, and physical, at (p-value < 0.05). There were statistical significant differences in QOL due to address in all domain favor middle and Rafah at (p-value < 0.05). There were statistical significant differences in QOL due to state of housing favor owned in psychological and environmental domain at (p-value < 0.05). There were statistical significant differences in QOL due to level of education favor university in social and environmental domain at (p-value<0.05). There were statistical significant differences in QOL due to complication of illness favor pt not have complication of illness at (p-value<0.05). there were statistical significant differences in QOL due to side effect of medication favor patient not have side effect of medication at (p-value<0.05). In opposite there were no statistical significant differences related to these variable: Age, type of housing, social status, number of family, occupation, income, history of illness and time of admission. Conclusion: health care providers and decision makers should consider the result of this study to contribute in the promotion of health care services provided to schizophrenic patients to reduce their suffering, prevent and delay future complications as well as helping them to have and enjoy a better quality of life.