WHOQOL-BREF among Singaporean Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus: What Does It Measure?
Journal Title: Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research - Year 2014, Vol 4, Issue 17
Abstract
Aims: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing concern globally given the increase in T2DM prevalence. Generic HRQoL instruments are important to allow cross-cultural, cross-population and cross-study comparisons. The short version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire is a widely used generic questionnaire. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the WHOQOL-BREF among patients with T2DM in Singapore. Study Design: Patients at a diabetes outpatient specialist clinic in Singapore were recruited via convenience sampling. Classical Test Theory methods were used to evaluate data quality, scaling assumptions, targeting, internal consistency reliability and construct validity (structural, convergent and discriminant) and criterion validity using HbA1c control (good versus poor). Principal Component Analyses (PCA) and Confirmatory Factory Analyses (CFA) were performed to assess unidimensionality (domain-level) as well as conformity with the original four-factor structure. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was done if CFA indicated lack of fit. Results: 212 subjects were analyzed of whom 50% were Chinese, 28% Indians, 11% Malays and 10% others. 63% were males with mean (SD) age 45.8 (11.9) years. Data quality was superior, scaling assumptions were met, targeting was satisfactory and internal consistency was achieved. PCAs were compatible with unidimensionality, except in the Physical domain. Domain level CFA indicated that unidimensionality had poor fit and overall CFA did not support the original 4-factor structure. EFA runs showed that the Physical and Environment domains overlapped while the Social and Psychological domains could not be recovered. Therefore construct (structural) validity was not established. Criterion validity was not achieved as all domains could not discriminate between those with good versus poor HbA1c control. Conclusion: Construct and criterion validity of WHOQOL-BREF posed some concerns. Thus, we recommend that an adequately-powered random sample of T2DM patients in Singapore be studied to confirm the findings of our study.
Authors and Affiliations
Tan Luor Shyuan Maudrene, Bautista Dianne Carrol Tan, Khoo Eric Yin Hao, Griva Konstadina, New Michelle, Amir Mohammad, Lee Yung Seng, Lee Jeannette, Tai E Shyong, Wee Hwee Lin
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP349450
- DOI 10.9734/BJMMR/2014/9054
- Views 50
- Downloads 0
Isolated Unilateral Adduction Paresis of the Right Eye Due to a Contusion in the Subnucleus of Oculomotor Nerve
In this report we present a 45 year old man with horizontal diplopia following minor head trauma. Neurological examination was normal except for unilateral adduction paresis of the right eye. Brain magnetic resonance ima...
Tricuspid Atresia: A Rare Cause of Cyanosis among Nigerian Children
Background and Objective: There is a dearth of literature on tricuspid atresia among African people. The current study aims to document the clinical profile and prevalence of tricuspid atresia amongst children in a terti...
Abdominal Aortic Hypoplasia, a Rare Cause of Hypertension
Hypoplasia of the abdominal aorta is an exceedingly rare vascular abnormality. Congenital, acquired, infectious and inflammatory etiologies have been described. Hypertension is the most common presenting symptom. Besides...
A Simple Method to Forecast Future Bed Requirements: A Pragmatic Alternative to Queuing Theory
Aims: To review the current state of hospital bed planning, and to develop a simple tool to estimate short-term future bed requirements using historical bed occupancy data. Study Design: Analysis of daily bed occupancy b...
Influence of Fixed Prosthodontic Treatment on Occlusal Contacts in Centric Occlusion: A Preliminary Study
Aim: Adequate occlusal contacts are believed to be necessary for dentition function. This study aims to evaluate the impact of prosthodontic treatment on intercuspal occlusal contacts in relation to contact number and co...