Quality of life in adolescence: an adaptation of the WHO Quality of Life Assessment and an exploration of the impact of weight

Abstract

Quality of life is an increasingly popular construct to assess. A number of healthrelated quality of life measures have been developed for use with children who have health problems. However, it is recognised that quality of life is an important concern for all children and there is a clear need for the development of measures which are applicable to those who are well or unwell. This study aims to develop a reliable and valid version of the World Health Organisation Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL) for adolescents. The study also examines the impact of obesity on quality of life during adolescence. The negative impact of obesity on physical well being is well-established. However, the impact of weight on other aspects of life, which contribute to its quality, is less well understood. Following discussion with groups of young people and a pilot test of the measure, revisions were made to the WHOQOL so that it was more relevant for adolescents. The revised questionnaire was distributed to a large group of young people in school. Further, it was administered to a small sample of overweight young people. This sample also completed an additional module of questions relating specifically to aspects of life affected by weight, and measures exploring self esteem, coping and social support. The performance of this adaptation of the WHOQOL for adolescents is discussed, as are the responses of the overweight sample.