OBJECTIVE: To investigate the factors associated to the quality of life (QOL) of patients with schizophrenia, specially their own perception of changes as a result of treatment received in mental health services. METHOD: The study was conducted in Divinópolis (MG), with patients attending the Reference Service for Mental Health. Individual structured interviews were conducted in order to apply the Quality of Life Scale (QLS-BR), the Scale of Perceived Change (EMP) and socio-demographic and clinical questionnaire. Three multiple linear regression analysis were performed in order to determine the relative contributions of differents predictors of QOL. RESULTS: Participated in this study 72 patients, mostly males (59.7%), diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia (87.5%). The patients' QOL fitted into the category of considerable damage, with a global average score of 3.64. The global average score of perceived changes was 2.46. The main predictors of better QOL were: firstly, the global score of perceived change and two subscales scores of "Psychological aspects and sleeping condition" and "Occupation and physical health". Other three predictors were: to be working, to take medication by oneself and to use only oral type medication. CONCLUSION: The patients perceived changes due to treatment outcome, is an important predictive factor of patients' QOL.
Quality of life; outcome assessment; schizophrenia; mental health services
