Validation of the WHOQOL-BREF Quality of Life Questionnaire in an Urban Sample of Older Adults in a Neighbourhood in Zaragoza (Spain).

Background: Nowadays, the increase in life expectancy needs to be matched by an increase in the wellbeing of older adults. A starting point is the definition of what is understood by health-related quality of life and its measurement in different contexts. Our research translates these international priorities to a local base.

Objective: To evaluate the psychometric characteristics of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) in a sample of older adults from a Spanish urban community (Casablanca).

Methods: In collaboration with the local health centre, we designed and implemented the health neighbourhood survey. Interviews took place at subjects' homes with 212 women and 135 men over the age of 60, who were residents in Casablanca. With the results, we evaluated the psychometric characteristics of WHOQOL-BREF and tested its reliability and validation.

Results: The instrument has a high internal consistency with a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.9. The items with higher correlation value were: ability to carry out activities in daily life, enough energy for daily life. The scale contributions of Physical Health dimension (0.809) and Psychological Health dimension (0.722) were notable.

Conclusions: As with other studies, the instrument proved to be an integral evaluation of the diverse domains that condition the wellbeing of older adults.