Quality of life of residents of the community hostels of Leros-Greece: clinical and social functioning profile of the ex-patients.

BACKGROUND

The quality of life experiences of the chronically mentally ill have received increased attention in outcome research lately and constitute a critical outcome of mental health.

AIMS

This study evaluated the perceived quality of life of the former psychiatric patients (N = 103) who have been moved from the Psychiatric Hospital of Leros to community hostels (N = 19) in Leros Island. In addition, the residents' clinical and social functioning profiles were examined together with the extent of institutional practices by the staff in residents' environment.

METHOD

The present research is a cross-sectional study examining the impact of the transformation programmes Leros I and Leros II on the well-being of long-term psychiatric clients following the move.

RESULTS

The majority of the residents expressed high levels of satisfaction, in almost all variables of quality of life, except the variable of contact with family relations. The level of psychopathology was very low, while the majority of residents expressed low community and social skills. Finally, the staff (N = 64) allowed in a way, the expression of autonomy in the residents' environment.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that even the most chronic psychiatric population of Greece is able to give valid and reliable responses concerning the manner in which they perceive their present life.