title: Validation of the World Health Organization Quality of Life HIV instrument in a Zambian sample.
abstract: Given the longevity achievable with the current treatment for people living with HIV, quality of life (QOL) has emerged as a significant health outcome measure. The purpose of this study was to test the QOL factor structure in a Zambian sample using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-HIV (WHOQOL-HIV) instrument. A cross-sectional 2 × 2 factorial design was conducted with 160 people living with HIV. Factor analysis yielded 3 new scales: Zambian WHOQOL-HIV, Zambian WHOHIV Medication Dependence, and Zambian WHOHIV spirituality religion personal beliefs (SRPB), and validated the Overall Quality of Life and General Health Perceptions Scale. The study tested the WHOQOL-HIV instrument, validated a scale that can be used for regular assessment, and yielded three comprehensive QOL assessment scales to monitor disease progression and response to care. The assessments will lead to the development of holistic nursing interventions based on perception of QOL.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.
authors.forename: Prudencia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mweemba
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Zeller
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ludwick
authors.forename: Davina
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gosnell
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Michelo
mesh_terms: D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014944:World Health Organization; D015024:Zambia