Date of Award

2020

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Master of Medicine (MMed)

First Supervisor/Advisor

Dr. Riaz Ratansi

Second Supervisor/Advisor

Dr. Eric Aghan

Third Supervisor/Advisor

Prof. Tumbwene Mwansisya

Department

Medical College (East Africa)

Abstract

Background: WHO has developed an HIV specific quality of life tool (WHOQOLHIV-BREF) for assessing Quality of life of HIV positive individuals. This tool takes to account the different cultural variations that exist worldwide and hence enable assessment of the quality of life across different cultures/context. This tool has been validated in different cultures and is cross-culturally a promising tool. It is simple to use in routine clinics as it is self-administered. Despite its sound validity and reliability from several studies, the developers recommend it to be validated in different cultures to fully assess its psychometric properties before its adaptation.

Objectives: To evaluate the validity and reliability of the Kiswahili version of WHOQOLHIV- BREF questionnaire in Tanzania among people living with HIV/AIDS.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with 103 participants recruited via a systematic random sampling. Internal consistency of the questionnaire was assessed by Cronbach alpha coefficient and intra- class correlation was used for test-retest reliability. Construct validity was assessed through analysis of translational, concurrent, convergent and discriminant validity while the model performance was assessed by Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis.

Results: Translation validity was assessed through the WHO translational protocol and was found to be good. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the Kiswahili version of WHOQOLHIV-BREF was excellent with Cronbach's alpha values of 0.89-0.90, and Intra-class correlation of 0.92 p < 0.01 respectively. Concurrent valid was excellent, significant correlations were noted across all domains (correlation coefficient r > 0.3) except for physical and spiritual domains. Confirmatory factor analysis found that the six domain produced an acceptable fit to the data. The convergent and divergent validities were satisfactory.

Conclusion. Kiswahili WHOQOLHIV-BREF was found to be reliable and valid questionnaire among Tanzanian people living with HIV/AIDS. These findings provide support for the use of this tool in assessing the quality of life in Tanzania.

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