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Subjective and objective dimensions of quality of life in psychiatric patients: a factor analytical approach

The South Verona Outcome Project 4

Department of Medicine and Public Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Italy

RICHARD WARNER, DPM

Mental Health Center of Boulder County, Boulder, Colorado, USA

Correspondence: Professor Mirella Ruggeri, Dipartimento di Medicina e Sanità Pubblica, Sezione di Psichiatria, Università di Verona, Ospedale Policlinico, 37134 Verona, Italy. Tel: +39 045 807 4441; Fax: +39 045 58 5871; E-mail: mruggeri{at}borgoroma.univr.it

Declaration of interest This study was supported by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Roma, Progetto Nazionale Salute Mentale, with a grant (no. 96/QT/50) to M.R.

Background Both subjective and objective information is necessary to assess quality of life (QOL).

Aims To explore the role of subjective and objective QOL dimensions and their cross-sectional and longitudinal predictors.

Method The relationship between QOL, as measured by the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile (LQL), and demographic variables, diagnosis, psychopathology, disability, functioning, affect balance, self-esteem, service use and service satisfaction was investigated at two points in time, using factor analysis and multiple regression techniques.

Results One subjective and two objective LQL factors with strong face validity were identified. Cross-sectional predictors of the subjective factor were primarily subjective measures; longitudinally, few predictors of this factor were identified. The cross-sectional and longitudinal predictors of the objective factors were primarily demographic and observer-rated measures.

Conclusions Subjective and objective data are distinct types of information. Objective measures may be more suitable in detecting treatment effects. Subjective information is necessary to complete the QOL picture and to enhance the interpretation of objective data.

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