Questionnaire-Description

The OPQOL-35 is a 35-item questionnaire designed to measure the quality of life of older adults across various domains. It was developed based on research with older people and covers numerous factors influencing quality of life, including:

Emotional well-being

Physical health

Social support and contacts

Activities and leisure

Financial security

Autonomy and independence

Comfort of living

The structure of OPQOL-35 is based on both qualitative and quantitative research with older adults, as well as literature that identifies factors affecting the quality of life of this population group.

Data Analysis and Usage

The data from the OPQOL-35 is collected through self-reported responses from participants. Responses are typically rated using a Likert scale, allowing participants to assess their experiences across various aspects of their lives.

Key methods of analysis include:

Reliability analysis, such as calculating Cronbach’s alpha, to ensure internal consistency of the subscales.

Factor analysis to confirm the structure of the questionnaire and identify the main dimensions that affect the quality of life of older adults.

Statistical correlations to study the relationships between the dimensions of OPQOL-35 and other variables, such as health, social support, or finances.

These data are used in clinical and social research to better understand the quality of life of older people and to design effective interventions.

Purpose

The primary goal of the OPQOL-35 is to provide a reliable tool for assessing the quality of life of older adults. In doing so, it allows researchers and healthcare professionals to:

Understand the factors that influence the well-being of older people.

Evaluate the effectiveness of social or clinical interventions aimed at improving quality of life.

Develop policies and support programs that take into account the unique needs of older individuals.

Calibration

The calibration of the OPQOL-35 involves the following procedures:

Reliability analysis to ensure the stability and consistency of responses across different categories.

Confirmatory factor analysis to test the validity of the scale and identify the dimensions it measures.

Cross-validation in different populations of older adults to confirm the scale’s generalizability and reliability.

Bibliography

Bowling, A., & Stenner, P. (2011). Which measure of quality of life performs best in older age? A comparison of the OPQOL, CASP-19, and WHOQOL-OLD. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, 65(3), 273-280.

Bowling, A. (2009). The psychometric properties of the Older People’s Quality of Life Questionnaire, compared with the CASP-19 and the WHOQOL-OLD. Current Gerontology and Geriatrics Research, 2009, 1-12.

Bowling, A., Gabriel, Z., Dykes, J., Dowding, L. M., Evans, O., Fleissig, A., Banister, D., & Sutton, S. (2003). Let’s ask them: A national survey of definitions of quality of life and its enhancement among people aged 65 and over. The International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 56(4), 269-306.