Quality of life and physical activity levels in outpatients with schizophrenia

ABSTRACT: Objective: With the use of accelerometers to assess the physical activity (PA) levels and a questionnaire to assess the quality of life (QOL), the aim of this study was to examine the differences in QOL and PA levels between outpatients with schizophrenia and healthy controls matched for age, gender, BMI, hip circumference, waist circumference and waist-hip to ratio. Additionally, the associations between PA levels, QOL, anthropometric and behavioural measures among outpatients with schizophrenia were analyzed. Methods: Thirty two outpatients with schizophrenia and 32 individuals without mental illness were included in the study. The QOL and PA levels were assessed by WHOQOL-Bref and by GTX3 triaxial accelerometer, respectively. Results: Outpatients with schizophrenia had lower QOL and vigorous PA compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05). The group with schizophrenia showed a significant association between higher weight and lower scores in the mental domain of the WHOQOL-Bref. A higher BMI was also significantly associated with lower scores in the physical domain of the WHOQOL-Bref. Individuals with schizophrenia with smoking behavior were associated with lower total steps per day, and lower levels of moderate to vigorous PA. Conclusions: This study helps to understand the lifespan of the population with schizophrenia. New psychosocial approaches need to focus on PA, weight and smoking management helping this population to improve QOL.status: publishe