WHOQOL-BREF psychometric properties in a sample of smokers

Abstract

Objective: To study the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument Bref psychometric properties in a sample of smokers. It is a self-administered instrument to evaluate quality of life. It contains 26 questions allocated to 4 domains: Social, Psychological, Physical and Environmental, there are 2 questions related to the Global domain.

Method: The sample was formed by 276 tobacco users selected at random. The instruments applied were: World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument Bref, Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, and Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36-item. The statistical analysis was accomplished up by ANOVA, Cronbach's alpha, Pearson's Coefficient and Multiple Regression.

Results: The World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument Bref presented good reliability (Cronbach's alpha 0.9207), converging validation (0.382<r<0.753; p<0.001), discriminant validation and criterion validation (0.554<r<0.778; p<0.001).

Conclusion: The World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument Bref proved to be an adequate instrument, with a good level of reliability, being easily and quickly administered.