The Quality of Life in Caregivers of Acute and Chronic Patients with Schizophrenia

Objective: The aim of present research was to compare the quality of life in caregivers of acute and chronic schizophrenic patients. Methods: Considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 30 participants were selected through purposive sampling method among the caregivers of acute and chronic schizophrenic patients. The sample answered to WHO Quality Of Life (WHOQOL-100) and demographic questionnaires. Results: The overall quality of life variables, physical health status, psychological status, independence, social status, environment status, religious beliefs and personal beliefs were significantly different in two groups (P=0.01). Conclusion: Considering the higher scores of religious beliefs in caregivers of chronic (in contrast to acute) schizophrenic patients and lack of difference in quality of life index, it seems that caregivers of acute schizophrenic patients may also benefit from religious beliefs.