Path analytical study of the short version of the WHO Quality of Life Instrument

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.

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.

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.

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.

Subjective QOL encompasses satisfaction with life circumstances, fulfillment of needs, and opportunity for experience, which should be targets for QOL interventions.