Sense of coherence and perception of self-influence on the disease course among patients with schizophrenia including quality of life : pilot studies

Current research studies reveal many protective and risk factors for relapse among patients with schizophrenia. The main aim of this study was to make an attempt at identifying the relationship between sense of coherence, self-influence on the disease course and quality of life determined by the current state of health of patients suffering from schizophrenia. The study involved 50 patients, diagnosed with schizophrenia by the ICD-10 criteria, who were/ were not suffering from relapse in 2-year period from last hospitalization. In order to measure sense of coherence, self-influence on the disease course and quality of life, patients were asked to complete: Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-29), Brief Measure to Assess Perception of Self-Influence on the Disease Course – Version for Schizophrenia and Sense of the Quality of Life Questionnaire. Statistical analysis revealed no differences in sense of coherence, perception of self-influence on the disease course and quality of life among patients with relapse or during remission. Nevertheless, the relation between sense of coherence and quality of life was observed in both groups. Patients who were suffering from relapse had their metaphysical (spiritual) quality of life also correlated with perception of self-influence on the disease course. This pilot study leads to conclusion that sense of coherence – along with its manageability and meaningfulness components – may be closely related to psychophysical, psychosocial and subjective quality of life of patients suffering from schizophrenia, both in long remission and currently experiencing a relapse