Development of the World Health Organization WHOQOL-BREF quality of life assessment. The WHOQOL Group

Psychol Med. 1998 May;28(3):551-8. doi: 10.1017/s0033291798006667.

Abstract

Background: The paper reports on the development of the WHOQOL-BREF, an abbreyiated version of the WHOQOL-100 quality of life assessment.

Method: The WHOQOL-BREF was derived from data collected using the WHOQOL-100. It produces scores for four domains related to quality of life: physical health, psychological, social relationships and environment. It also includes one facet on overall quality of life and general health.

Results: Domain scores produced by the WHOQOL-BREF correlate highly (0.89 or above) with WHOQOL-100 domain scores (calculated on a four domain structure). WHOQOL-BREF domain scores demonstrated good discriminant validity, content validity, internal consistency and test-retest reliability.

Conclusion: These data suggest that the WHOQOL-BREF provides a valid and reliable alternative to the assessment of domain profiles using the WHOQOL-100. It is envisaged that the WHOQOL-BREF will be most useful in studies that require a brief assessment of quality of life, for example, in large epidemiological studies and clinical trials where quality of life is of interest. In addition, the WHOQOL-BREF may be of use to health professionals in the assessment and evaluation of treatment efficacy.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cross-Cultural Comparison
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care
  • Quality of Life*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • World Health Organization*