Reliability and validity of the Dari version of the World Health Organization quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire in Afghanistan

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to culturally adapt and validate the WHOQOLBREF into Dari language of Afghanistan.Methods: This study consisted of two stages: translation stage and psychometric analyses. Reliability analyses were done by Internal consistency (alpha value) and item total correlations and validity analyses consisted of convergent validity by SF-36 scale, confirmatory factor analyses and criterion validity (multiple linear regression by overall QoL item-q1) analyses. Acceptable type 1 error was considered as 0.05 in all analyses (n=1473). Analyses were done by using Lisrel v8.05 statistical package.Results: Item-domain correlations and -if item deletedCronbach alpha values detected no problematic item. The range of alpha values is 0.79-0.80, except for the social relations domain (alpha=0.41). Confirmatory factor analyses revealed goodness of fit results as: GFI: 0.88, CFI: 0.83; and RMSEA: 0.073. Physical and Psychological domains of the WHOQOL-BREF was highly correlated with the related domains of the SF-36 (r=0.60 and 0.64). All of the known groups’ categories were significantly sensitive to all domain scores of the WHOQOL (p<0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed a R2 value of 35% and all domains.Conclusion:Afghan Dari version of the WHOQOL-BREF can confidently be used in clinical and population settings to assess the QoL of the people. Findings of the social relations domain should be interpreted with caution due to its poor psychometric power. Further studies are needed to address the social aspects of quality of life in Afghan population.