A new questionnaire for measuring quality of life - the Stark QoL.
OBJECTIVE
The Stark questionnaire measures health-related quality of life (QoL) using pictures almost exclusively. It is supplemented by a minimum of words. It comprises a mental and a physical health component.


METHODS
A German sample of n = 500 subjects, age and gender stratified, filled out the Stark Qol questionnaire along with various other questionnaires via internet.


RESULTS
The physical component shows good reliability (Cronbach's alpha = McDonalds Omega = greatest lower bound = .93), the mental component can be improved (Cronbach's alpha = .63, McDonalds Omega = .72, greatest lower bound = .77). Confirmatory factor analysis shows a good fit (Bentlers CFI = .97). Construct validity was proven.


CONCLUSIONS
The Stark QoL is a promising new development in measuring QoL, it is a short and easy to apply questionnaire. Additionally, it is particularly promising for international research.
Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg Universität, Duesbergweg 6, 55128, Mainz, Germany. hardt@uni-mainz.de.
Jochen
J
Hardt
D000328:Adult; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000379:methods; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*