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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Published in | Psychology & health Vol. 29; no. 3; pp. 297 - 317 |
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Main Authors | , , , , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
England
Routledge
04.03.2014
Taylor & Francis Ltd |
Subjects | |
Online Access | Get full text |
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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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Bibliography: | ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-2 content type line 23 |
ISSN: | 0887-0446 1476-8321 |
DOI: | 10.1080/08870446.2013.845668 |