Development of the World Health Organization WHOQOL-BREF Quality of Life Assessment

• Published in: Psychological medicine 1998-05, Vol.28 (3), p.551-558
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Assessment; Biological and medical sciences; Medical sciences; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychometrics. Diagnostic aid systems; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Quality of life; Techniques and methods; World Health Organization
• ISSN: 0033-2917; 1469-8978
• DOI: 10.1017/S0033291798006667

Background. The paper reports on the development of the WHOQOL-BREF, an abbreviated 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.