Using the WHOQOL-DIS to Measure Quality of Life in Persons with Physical Disabilities Caused by Neurodegenerative Disorders

Abstract

Background/Aims: Neurodegenerative disorders (ND) have a major impact on quality of life (QoL) and place a substantial burden on patients, their families and carers; they are the second leading cause of disability. The objective of this study was to examine QoL in persons with ND. Methods: A battery of subjective assessments was used, including the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life – Disability (WHOQOL-DIS). Psychometric properties of the WHOQOL-BREF and WHOQOL-DIS were investigated using classical psychometric methods. Results: Participants (n = 149) were recruited and interviewed at two specialized centers to obtain information on health and disability perceptions, depressive symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale – Depression, HADS-D), Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), Satisfaction with Life (SWL), generic QoL (WHOQOL-BREF, WHOQOL-DIS), specific QoL (Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale, MSIS-29; Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire, PDQ-39) and sociodemographics. Internal consistency was acceptable, except for the WHOQOL-BREF social (0.67). Associations, using Pearson’s and Spearman’s rho correlations, were confirmed between WHOQOL-BREF and WHOQOL-DIS with MSIS-29, PDQ-39, HADS-D, FAS and SWL. Regarding ‘known group’ differences, Student’s t tests showed that WHOQOL-BREF and WHOQOL-DIS scores significantly discriminated between depressed and nondepressed and those perceiving a more severe impact of the disability on their lives. Conclusion: This study is the first to report on use of the WHOQOL-BREF and WHOQOL-DIS in Spanish persons with ND; they are promising useful tools in assessing persons with ND through the continuum of care, as they include important dimensions commonly omitted from other QoL measures.

Validación del cuestionario de calidad de vida (WHOQOL-BREF) en adultos mayores chilenos

“…respecto a los puntajes por dominio obtenidos al aplicar el whoqol-bref (rango posible se encuentra entre [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20], se puede observar en la Tabla 2 que este fue similar en los dominios salud física, psicológica y relaciones sociales, y sólo inferior en aproximadamente un punto, en el referido a medio ambiente. en ninguna de las dimensiones el puntaje presentó una distribución normal.…”

“…Validaciones del whoqol-bref se encuentran en la literatura en adultos mayores [8][9][10][11][12] , población general 13 y con problemas de salud y otras condiciones [14][15][16][17] . en Chile, un estudio ha usado la versión oficial española de este instrumento, sin embargo, en él no se describe si fueron evaluadas las características psicométricas del instrumento y confianza para la aplicabilidad en nuestro medio 18 .…”

Quality of Life in Patients with Neurodegenerative Diseases

“…Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by a progressive deterioration of brain function, consequently, with a significant decrease in patients and their family's quality of life [5]. These diseases have a physical, mental and social impact, and this impact extends far beyond the obvious characteristic of the disease' symptoms [3].…”

“…In this article, it is also referenced to a new WHOQOL-DIS, which aims to complement the WHOQOL-BREF, assessing other dimensions [5]. Moreover, it will be mentioned the HRQoL which includes physical, psychological and social dimensions (Wilson and Cleary Model) [1].…”

Qualidade de vida e o estágio de comprometimento em sujeitos com doença de Parkinson

“…16 De acordo com o estudo de Barbosa et al, 17 a prevalência estimada de DP no Brasil é de 3,3%, mas no presente estudo a prevalência se mostrou muito inferior a esse valor, com aproximadamente 0,012%, sendo justificada pelo inexistente sistema de cadastro de doenças da região.…”