The Influence of Symptoms and Psychosocial Factors on Quality of Life and Life Satisfaction in Parkinson's Disease

Abstract Background Parkinson's disease (PD) symptoms affects quality of life (QoL), but effects on life satisfaction (LS) are less studied. Objectives This study explored influences of motor and non‐motor symptoms on QoL and LS in people with PD in Ireland. Methods Eight hundred twenty nine people with PD completed a survey of validated tools, exploring motor and non‐motor symptoms, social connectedness, self‐efficacy, and stigma, and QoL and LS. Linear and multiple regression analyses assessed influences on QoL and LS. Results Stigma and low self‐efficacy were associated with poor QoL and LS; low social connectedness, dexterity issues, anxiety and apathy were associated with poor LS. Higher symptom burden, particularly dexterity, tremor, bradykinesia, freezing, cognition, psychosis, apathy, daytime sleepiness and urinary problems were associated with low QoL, but less than stigma. Conclusion Policies to improve QoL and LS should target stigma and low self‐efficacy.