Contribution of Qualitative Methods in the Validity of an Instrument which Measures Quality of Life Related to Health in Children Suffering from a Chronic Illness

Abstract

Quality of life related to health (QLRH) is a multidimensional concept, which requires the elaboration of instruments through the combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies in order to measure it. Furthermore, to use a QLRH measurement instrument designed in another country, it must first undergo a socio-cultural adaptation and validity process. In addition to these two moves, further special consideration is needed for patients who are children. This is because the different degrees of cognitive and emotional development in this age group have an influence on the dimensions of the construct of quality of life as well as on the capacity of respondents for giving autonomous responses during their evaluations, and so the qualitative phase of this process has special considerations which must be taken into account for children with a chronic illness. This article discusses how qualitative methodologies were used in the validation process of a measurement instrument of QLRH for children (8-16 aged) who suffered from a congenital cardiopathy. URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs0902257