Factors influencing quality of life of patients living with mental illness: a case study of Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To determine the quality of life and associated factors of people living with mental illness attending the outpatient clinics at Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital.

Design: A cross-sectional study

Setting: The outpatient clinics at Mathari National Teaching and Referral HospitaL.

Subject: 384 patients living with mental illness on follow-up were recruited into the study. Those consenting filled in the quality of life instrument (WHOQOL-BREF), as well as a socio-demographic questionnaire.

Results: The study found that quality of life was lower than general statistical comparisons, and was found to be related to the marital status of the patient and their income level.

Conclusion: Quality of life tends to be somewhat lower than average in people living with mental illness. It may be affected by marital status and income.