How appropriate is the WHOQOL-BREF for assessing the quality of life of adolescents?

Background: Using mixed-methods research, we investigated whether the adult version of the WHOQOL-BREF was acceptable and feasible to use with adolescents (13-19), and what features might need to be changed to develop it. Differences from young adults quality of life (QoL) (20-30 years) could add ju...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inPsychology & health Vol. 29; no. 3; pp. 297 - 317
Main Authors Skevington, S.M., Dehner, S., Gillison, F.B., McGrath, E.J., Lovell, C.R.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England Routledge 04.03.2014
Taylor & Francis Ltd
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Summary:Background: Using mixed-methods research, we investigated whether the adult version of the WHOQOL-BREF was acceptable and feasible to use with adolescents (13-19), and what features might need to be changed to develop it. Differences from young adults quality of life (QoL) (20-30 years) could add justification. Methods: Preliminary psychometric properties of the adult WHOQOL-BREF were examined in 208 adolescents and 204 young adults. Unhealthy adolescents diagnosed with acne or elevated depressive symptoms (CES-D) were compared with healthy adolescents. Cognitive interviewing used 'think aloud' techniques with six healthy adolescents during WHOQOL-BREF completion. Concepts and wording were thematically analysed for relevance, comprehension and comprehensiveness. Results: Little data were missing from the WHOQOL-BREF suggesting some feasibility and acceptability to adolescents. Compared with adults, adolescents perceived greater access to information, a better home environment, worse pain, and medication dependency. Internal consistency reliability for adolescents was good (α = .89), especially psychological and environmental QoL. Content validity especially for social and environment domains was supported. Domains validly discriminated between high- and low-depressive symptoms but not acne groups. Additional new facets on autonomy, altruism and physical fitness and changed item contents are proposed. Conclusion: The evidence indicates that developing a new adolescent version is justifiable. Cross-cultural research should build on these preliminary findings.
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ISSN:0887-0446
1476-8321
DOI:10.1080/08870446.2013.845668