Reliability and validity of the Iranian version of the human immunodeficiency virus specific World Health Organization quality of life BREF questionnaire

Background & Aim: Quality-of-life (QOL) among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected people has been the center of focus worldwide. The World Health Organization QOL Group (WHOQOL Group) has developed a 31-item QOL questionnaire, which has been translated and used in many countries. This paper aimed at examining the reliability and validity of Persian version of HIV specific WHOQOL scaleBREF questionnaire (WHOQOL-HIV BREF) in Iranian patients suffering from HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Methods & Materials: For the purpose of this cross-sectional study, a standard “ forward- backward” translation and cognitive debriefing were initially applied. Subsequently, 150 people living with HIV/AIDS visitingTertiary Referral Consultation Center for clients with risky behaviors in Tehran completed the Persian version of the questionnaire. Validity was assessed using Known Group Comparison through ANOVA test. Internal reliability was measured by Cronbach 's alpha and Split-Half coefficients. Results: WHOQOL-HIV BREF was capable to discriminate between two groups who were different in their QOL (P< 0.05). Internal consistency analysis was satisfactory for domains (Cronbach’s alpha =0.64- 0.85), and whole the instrument (Cronbach's alpha=0.93). Conclusion: The Persian version of WHOQOL-HIV BREF is a reliable and valid instrument to assess the QOL among Iranian HIV-infected population.