@article{ref1,
title="Quality of life among alcohol-dependent patients: How satisfactory are the available instruments? A systematic review",
journal="Drug and alcohol dependence",
year="2012",
author="Luquiens, A. and Reynaud, M. and Falissard, B. and Aubin, H. J.",
volume="125",
number="3",
pages="192-202",
abstract="AIM: The purpose of this systematic review was to compare quality-of-life instruments used as outcome measures in randomized clinical trials for alcohol-dependence treatment. METHODS: Randomized controlled clinical trials, indexed in the EMBASE, PubMed and PsycINFO databases since 1981, which aimed at improving the quality of life in alcohol-dependent patients and used as instrument to measure the quality of life, as specifically designated by the authors, were included. RESULTS: Of the 331 articles screened, 18 studies were included in the review. Eight different quality-of-life instruments were used as outcome measures. Twenty-seven life domains were explored. Between-scale heterogeneity was high. The scale most frequently used was the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Only 1 clinical trial demonstrated a significant difference between intervention groups at all endpoints, using the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q). CONCLUSION: Because many different instruments were used, it is difficult to compare quality-of-life improvement between trials. The most frequently used instrument was a generic health status measure that may not be well suited as a quality-of-life measure for subjects with alcohol dependence. The construction and validation of a specific patient-reported outcome based on alcohol-dependent patients' concerns would effectively contribute to the assessment of treatment efficacy.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0376-8716",
doi="10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2012.08.012",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2012.08.012"
}