Application of Factor Analysis in Development and Validation of A New Questionnaire for Quality of Life (in Chinese)

Kelvin Chan, University of Wolverhampton, United Kingdom

Abstract

Objective: To explore the application of factor analysis in creating a new health—related questionnaire for evaluating quality of life，the Chinese for Quality of Life Instrument (ChQOL). Methods: Two hundred and seventy three subjects selected from two provinces of North China (Ningxia) and South China(Guangdong) were investigated by ChQOL, and the preliminary version was completed with factor analysis． Results: Fifty items were developed using factor analysis．The final structure model of ChQOL was confirmed through the screening and verification of factor structural model on the 78 items of ChQOL，a new questionnaire with more rational structure was confirmed． Conclusion: Factor analysis is an effective method in developing new questionnaire.