Application of whoqol-bref in iraq

Abstract EN

Objective: To study the subjective rating of quality of life by college students in three different Iraqi regions, applying the WHOQOL-BREF for the first time in Iraq.

Methods: Six hundred copies of the Arabic version of the self-report psychological tool created by the World Health Organization, WHOQOL-BREF, were distributed among three groups of college students of comparable age.

The students came from different academic institutes representing urban, semi-urban and rural populations in Iraq.

The study, which was conducted during March 2001, was carried out in Baghdad, the capital city, and two govemorates (Diala and Thi-Qar).

The Arabic form of the questionnaire contains four scored domains assessing: 1-physical health, 2- psychological health, 3-social relationships, and 4-environment.

Resulls: 579forms were completed, giving a response rate of 96.5%.

Statistical analysis of the results revealed marked differences of the mean values between the capital and the other govemorates.

These differences were found in the domains concerning psychological and environmental aspects.

Conclusion: The cultural variations and the differences in economical standards between the capital and the other two regions reflected the scoring profiles of the students.

The WHOQOL-BREF was a successful tool for measuring the subjective satisfaction of quality of life in Iraq.

Further studies in other Arab communities are required.