Objective: To identify factors associated with life satisfaction (LS) in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD), including a specific focus on those with late stage PD.

Background: Despite that patients with PD have an increased risk of reduced LS, there is limited knowledge regarding which factors are associated with LS. Such knowledge could serve as an important base for optimizing treatment and care. Concerning patients with late stage PD, i e Hoehn and Yahr (HY) IV-V, no published study has specifically addressed LS for this group.

Methods: Data from 251 persons with PD (median age 70 years and duration 8 years) was analyzed statistically; the total sample was assessed and a subsample with late stage PD was further evaluated separately. LS was assessed by item 1 of the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire (LiSat-11). A large number of independent variables were described in relation to HY for groups HY I-III and IV-V, differences between the groups were tested. Sample characteristics in relation to LS were tested with simple logistic regression analyses. Independent variables with a p-value < 0.3 in the simple logistic regressions were entered into a multiple logistic regression model. For the subsample with late stage PD, simple logistic regression analyses were calculated.

Results: The simple logistic regression analyses showed that 11 out of the 20 independent variables were significantly associated with LS: need of help with ADL; walking difficulties; number of non-motor symptoms (NMS); fatigue; depressive symptoms; general self-efficacy; pain; PD severity; freezing episodes; gender (women) and fluctuations. When controlling for age and gender in the multiple logistic regression model, two independent variables were found to be independently associated with LS; depressive symptoms (negatively associated with high LS) and general self-efficacy (positively associated with high LS). For late stage PD, when controlling for age and gender in simple logistic regression analyses, associated factors with LS were: number of NMS, general self-efficacy, walking difficulties and fatigue, all except for general self-efficacy were negatively associated with high LS.

Conclusions: This study identified factors associated with LS in a population with PD and further factors associated with LS for those with late stage PD. The ultimate goal for PD care should be improvement in LS and therefore the identification of associated factors has direct clinical implication.