The short version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL-BREF) is an instrument that conceptually fits with the WHO definition of QOL. Substantial effort has been put forth to properly operationalize the sub-concepts (various aspects of life) included in the instrument (WHOQOL Group 1998). The WHOQOL-BREF is grouped into 4 domains of QOL (physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment) and 2 items which measure overall QOL and general health.

Number of items: 24

Procedure/Administration: The instrument is a self-report questionnaire, using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (not at all) to 5 (completely). The respondents express how much they have experienced the items in the preceding 2 weeks.

How scored: All domain scores are reported between 4 and 20 (mean scores for each multiplied by 4).

Interpretability: Scores represent one’s personal experience and satisfaction regarding various aspects of life. Norms are available for different groups of people.

Acceptability: The WHOQOL is an instrument that conceptually fits with the WHO definition of QOL and substantial effort has been put forth to properly operationalize the sub-concepts (various aspects of life) included in the instrument

Languages: English

Usability: Minimal burden

Time to administer: Within a few minutes.

Time to score:N/a

Training required: None

Availability: Copies can be downloaded from the WHO website.

Equipment required: None

Summary: WHOQOL-BREF can provide data for both research and clinical purposes. Although it is a relatively brief instrument, its structure allows one to acquire specific information covering many aspects of life.

Psychometric Summary:

Note: TR= Test re-test; IC= Internal Consistency;Inter-O=Inter-observer; Intra-O=Intra-observer; SS=Sensitivity/Specificity; N/a= No information.

Red light= A single study involving SCI subjects which has less than adequate findings of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness.

Yellow light= A single study involving subjects with SCI which has adequate to excellent findings of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness.

Green light= At least 2 studies involving subjects with SCI which have adequate to excellent findings of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness.

References

• Skevington S, Lofty M, O'Connell K. The World Health Organisation's WHOQOL-BREF quality of life assessment: Psychometric properties and results of the international field trial. A report from the WHOQOL Group. Qual Life Res 2004;13:299-310.
• WHOQOL Group. Development of the World Health Organization WHOQOL-BREF quality of life assessment. Psychol Med 1998;28:551-558.