Exploring the psychometric properties of Gujarati version of WHOQOL-BREF scale among general population of Western Gujarat: A confirmatory factor analysis

Abstract

Background: Quality of life (QOL) is a useful component in assessing the health of people and society. There are many reports on the validity of the four-domain structure of the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), but few studies have investigated the possibility of a better alternative model fit among the general population. Objective: The objectives of the study were to perform exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using the WHOQOL-BREF and to generate a model that fits among the general population of western Gujarat. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2022 to February 2023 using the Gujarati version of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire among the general population of urban and rural areas. Factor analysis was performed to check the model fit. Results: Factor analysis gave a five-factor structure, and the CFA suggested that the model was acceptable. Conclusion: Based on the findings, this model can better explain QOL and can be used as a reliable and valid instrument for evaluating QOL in the general population of Gujarat.