Özlem BAŞ ULUYOL, Kumru ŞENYAŞAR METERELLİYOZ
Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Dergisi - 2026;33(3):337-348
Objective: Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness that causes impairments in subjective well-being and functional outcomes. Naturalistic studies are important in terms of the applicability of the results to treatment programs. We aimed to investigate the factors affecting the quality of life in individuals with schizophrenia through naturalistic studies. Material and Method: Data were collected through structured interviews and self-administered metrics with 49 male patients diagnosed with schizophrenia who met the eligibility criteria. After providing informed consent, they completed the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) and the short version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF). Results: We found that high economic status and the ASEX penile erection, ability to reach orgasm, and satisfaction with the orgasm subscales predicted quality of life. We grouped participants according to their answers to the questions "Do you think you have sexual dysfunction (SD) due to illness?" and "Do you think you have SD due to medication?" and compared them in terms of sexual function and quality of life. Although no significant differences were found in ASEX scale scores between the two groups, we found that participants in the group who thought they had SD experienced a greater deterioration in their WHOQOL-BREF scale scores. Conclusion: Sexuality is an important component influencing the life satisfaction of individuals with schizophrenia. However, restrictions on the sexual lives of patients can negatively impact their overall quality of life. Therefore, the sexual lives of patients with schizophrenia should always be assessed during routine examinations.
