Validation of the WHOQOL-Bref instrument in Brazilian sign language (Libras)

Purpose The recognition of the Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) as the official language of the Brazilian deaf, in 2002, reaffirms the linguistic and cultural particularities of the deaf population. Therefore, there is a lack of a validated instrument for assessing the Quality of Life of deaf people using Libras. With authorization from the World Health Organization (WHO), a version of the WHOQOL-Bref in Libras was developed, called WHOQOL-Bref/Libras. However, its psychometric properties have not been examined as yet. Therefore, the purpose of this work is to perform the psychometric validation of the WHOQOL-Bref/Libras. Methods WHOQOL-Bref/Libras and a sociodemographic questionnaire were applied to 311 deaf people from the five Brazilian regions. To assess temporal stability, the questionnaire was readministered to 52 deaf people, over an interval of 2 weeks. Results WHOQOL-Bref/Libras demonstrated satisfactory psychometric values for reliability, discriminant and construct validity, temporal stability, and internal consistency. Cronbach's alpha coefficient showed satisfactory values for each of the WHOQOL-Bref domains: Physical health (0.641), Psychological (0.705), Environment (0.710), and Overall-Bref domains (0.873). The WHOQOL-Bref/Libras is the appropriate option to assess the quality of life of deaf people who communicate through Libras. Conclusion WHOQOL-Bref/Libras had a satisfactory psychometric performance; therefore, it is a valid option that will provide autonomous participation for the deaf in quality of life investigations.

Automated summary

This study aimed to validate the psychometric properties of WHOQOL-Bref/Libras, a tool for assessing the quality of life of deaf people who use Libras. The results showed satisfactory values for reliability, discriminant and construct validity, temporal stability, and internal consistency, suggesting that WHOQOL-Bref/Libras is a valid option for quality of life investigations among the deaf community.