Path analytical study of the short version of the WHO Quality of Life Instrument.
BACKGROUND
Using confirmatory factor analysis, we have shown that the 8 factors we derived from the responses of 118 Nigerian psychiatric patients to the short version of the WHO Quality of Life Instrument had greater structural integrity than the 4- and 6-domain models of the WHO.


OBJECTIVE
Using path analysis to assess the structural integrity of the model we generated from the relationships among the 8 factors, we proposed a model of QOL from which targets for subjective QOL interventions could be delineated.


METHODS
The model was generated by multiple regression analysis with the item on overall QOL (OQOL) as dependent variable and the 8 domains as predictors. Path analysis was done by Analysis of Moment Structures, with a maximum likelihood ratio as method of estimation.


RESULTS
Our model had high Cronbach's alphas and met the criteria for the following fit indices: relative chi2 (1.9), goodness of fit (0.92) and comparative fit index (0.91). Hence, we propose that subjective QOL is primarily mediated by satisfaction with life, informational need, opportunity for experience, and instrumental need.


CONCLUSIONS
Subjective QOL encompasses satisfaction with life circumstances, fulfillment of needs, and opportunity for experience, which should be targets for QOL interventions.
Ohaeri
Jude U
JU
Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. judeohaeri@hotmail.com
Olusina
Adewunmi K
AK
Al-Abassi
Abdul-Hamid M
AH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014944:World Health Organization