[A new instrument to measure quality of life in older people: The French version of the WHOQOL-OLD]

Abstract

Purpose: We present the validation data of the French version of a new quality of life questionnaire, specifically developed for use with older adults (>60 years old): the WHOQOL-OLD module. This questionnaire, which contains 24 items in six domains, is a complementary module of the WHOQOL-BREF quality of life questionnaire. It was internationally developed by a World Health Organization (WHO) group.

Methods: The first development and pilot studies led to a first questionnaire applied in field studies in 20 centers all over the world. They were done in 5566 subjects and allowed the validation of the final form of the WHOQOL-OLD questionnaire. For its French version, 281 subjects, with a mean age of 74 years, were recruited in three centers (Paris, Nancy and Geneva).

Results: The results of the psychometric properties of the questionnaire, particularly the multitrait analysis, are compatible with the assumptions underlying the construction of scores. Otherwise, scores present a sufficient accuracy to use this instrument in group comparisons.

Conclusion: The WHOQOL-OLD questionnaire can be used in older people in health services, clinical research and epidemiologic studies.