[Application of factor analysis in development and validation of a new questionnaire for quality of life].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the application of factor analysis in creating a new health-related questionnaire for evaluating quality of life, the Chinese for Quality of Life Instrument (ChQOL).


METHODS
Two hundred and seventy-three subjects selected from two provinces of North China (Ningxia) and South China (Guangdong) were investigated by ChQOL, and the preliminary version was completed with factor analysis.


RESULTS
Fifty items were developed using factor analysis. The final structure model of ChQOL was confirmed through the screening and verification of factor structural model on the 78 items of ChQOL, a new questionnaire with more rational structure was confirmed.


CONCLUSIONS
Factor analysis is an effective method in developing new questionnaire.
Zhao
Li
L
Research and Development Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University.
Chan
Kelvin
K
Leung
Kwokfai
K
Liu
Fengbin
F
Fang
Jiqian
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology*; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008516:Medicine, Chinese Traditional; D008875:Middle Aged; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires