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Conceptual equivalence of WHOQOL-HIV among people living with HIV in Ethiopia

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Abstract

Purpose

The WHOQOL instruments are intended for cross-cultural studies of quality of life (QoL) but African countries have been poorly represented in its development. This study aimed to explore the conceptual equivalence of WHOQOL-HIV in Ethiopia.

Methods

The fieldwork included home visits, interviews, and focus group discussions with HIV patients and caregivers.

Results

We found that although WHOQOL-HIV includes many relevant facets, its applicability has several limitations in the Ethiopian setting. The most salient shortcomings of the instrument relate to the Social, Environmental and Religion/Spirituality/Personal Beliefs domains of the instrument. Themes not captured by the instrument include family responsibilities, disease disclosure, exclusion from common resources, basic needs, adequate food, and job opportunities. In addition, several of the tool’s facets such as dependence on medicine seem less relevant. Also, the role of religion is more complex than captured in WHOQOL-HIV. We found that the tool is based on an individualist focus, which tends to overlook the social context of the patient.

Conclusion

We conclude that the conceptual equivalence of WHOQOL-HIV is only partially attained for use in Ethiopia. The findings from this qualitative study are used in the further process of developing and validating a QoL instrument for use in Ethiopia.

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Acknowledgments

The study was conducted as part of the Jimma University and University of Copenhagen Alliance in Nutrition (JUCAN). We would like to thank Dr. Tsinuel Girma, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, and Dr. Tadesse Getahun, Senior resident, JUSH for their assistance in carrying out the field work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 30, 1958, Frederiksberg C, Denmark

    Mette Olsen

  2. Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014, Copenhagen K, Denmark

    Natasja Koitzsch Jensen

  3. Department of Psychiatry, College of Public Health and Medical Sciences, Jimma University, P.O. Box 378, Jimma, Ethiopia

    Markos Tesfaye

  4. Department of Food and Resource Economics, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 25, 1958, Frederiksberg C, Denmark

    Lotte Holm

Authors
  1. Mette Olsen
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  2. Natasja Koitzsch Jensen
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  4. Lotte Holm
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Correspondence to Mette Olsen.

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Olsen, M., Jensen, N.K., Tesfaye, M. et al. Conceptual equivalence of WHOQOL-HIV among people living with HIV in Ethiopia. Qual Life Res 22, 361–367 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-012-0141-7

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