The multicultural quality of life index in Argentina: a validation study

Evaluation of innovative instruments is important prior to its use in different settings; particularly, when they involve the assessment of concepts like quality of life (QOL).

To evaluate the internal structure (IS), factorial structure (FE), discriminant validity (DV), and time required for completion and ease of use of the Multicultural Quality of Life (MQLI) in Argentina.

The sample included 100 subjects divided into two groups with presumed different levels of QOL. The Cronbach's alpha was calculated for the IC and the FE was analyzed in the total sample. The DV was studied comparing statistically the average score in a group of psychiatric patients (presumed <> QOL, n=50) with a group of heath professionals and students (presumed <> QOL, n=50). Data on the time and ease of use was compiled.

A high Cronbach's alpha (0.88) was documented. The factorial analysis showed two feasible solutions, one extracting one component with an explained variance of 46.7 %, and another one with two components, increasing the explained variance to 57.2 %. A significant difference between mean total scores was found for the groups with different levels of QOL. The time to complete the MQLI was less than 5 minutes and was reported by the majority of subjects (84 %) and the interviewers (90 %) as of easy application.

The results showed that the MQLI has a high internal consistency, adequate factorial structure, and is capable of discriminating groups with different QOL levels; it is concise, and easy to use.