Development and validation of a patient-based health-related quality of life questionnaire in schizophrenia: the S-QoL

Abstract

We developed a self-administered instrument to assess health-related quality of life (HRQL) among people with schizophrenia. The S-QoL, based on Calman's approach to the subject's point of view, is a multidimensional instrument that is sensitive to change. The scale is a 41-item questionnaire with eight subscales (psychological well-being, self-esteem, family relationships, relationships with friends, resilience, physical well-being, autonomy and sentimental life) and a total score. In-depth interviews with patients determined the pertinent issues for item development. The validation study, performed with 207 patients, showed high internal consistency reliability, reproducibility and responsiveness. Construct validity was confirmed using established clinical and HRQL measures. S-QoL covers domains that differ from areas tapped in other measures, with greater responsiveness. The S-QoL is an efficient instrument for the measurement of the impact of schizophrenia on individuals' lives.