Learning Objective #1: identify socio-demographic variables that influence on QOL of patients with schizophrenia.

Learning Objective #2: compare the subjective QOL of patients with schizophrenia receiving atypical antipsychotics to those receiving conventional antipsychotics.

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Background.Second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics are widely used in the treatment of schizophrenia as replacements for conventional antipsychotics. Many studies have reported better symptoms reduction with the use of atypical antipsychotics over conventional antipsychotics. Besides symptoms reduction, it has been generally recognized to improve patients' perceived quality of life (QOL), which is an important yet culturally sensitive healthcare outcome indicator in the treatment of schizophrenia. Often times, lower perception of QOL may affect their adherence to treatment, leading to sub-optimal treatment outcomes. Despite of its importance, QOL remains a rarely studied outcome indicator in the context of South-East Asia.

Objective.This study aims to examine the influence of therapeutic variable (atypical antipsychotics or conventional antipsychotics) and socio-demographic variables on the subjective QOL of patients with schizophrenia.

Methods.This study used a descriptive survey design. 260 English-speaking outpatients, aged 18-65 years old, diagnosed with schizophrenia, prescribed with either atypical antipsychotics (n=130) or conventional antipsychotics (n=130) for at least 6 months, and compliance to their medication regimen, were recruited and assessed using 36-items Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and a brief version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHO QOL-BREF).

Results.Results from SF-36 (mean score: 92.8 vs. 91.3; P=0.42) and WHO QOL-BREF (mean score: 115.1 vs. 117.3; P=0.45) indicated that there were no significant differences between the subjective QOL of patients with schizophrenia receiving atypical antipsychotics and those receiving conventional antipsychotics. In contrast, demographic variables, such as employment status and number of admissions have significant influence on the subjective QOL of patients with schizophrenia (P<0.05). Conclusion.Findings assert that atypical antipsychotics and conventional antipsychotics do not influence the subjective QOL of patients with schizophrenia. Rather, patients' subjective QOL and general well being could be greatly affected by employment and social support.