MHQoL (Mental Health Quality of Life Questionnaire) descriptive system
The MHQoL is a questionnaire designed to measure quality of life specifically for people with mental health problems. It includes a descriptive system with seven key areas of life affected by mental health and a visual scale for overall psychological well-being.
At a glance
Use when
Assessing multidimensional quality of life outcomes in people with mental health problems, particularly in research or evaluation of mental health interventions where patient-reported outcomes are needed.
Avoid when
When a preference-based measure with utility weights for economic evaluation (e.g., cost-utility analysis) is required, or when assessing non-mental-health-specific populations without adaptation.
Inputs
Responses to 7-dimensional descriptive items and a visual analogue scale (VAS) for psychological well-being from individuals with or without mental health problems.
Outputs
A profile of quality of life across seven dimensions, a sum score from the MHQoL-7D, and a single index score for overall psychological well-being via the VAS.
How it works
The MHQoL comprises a 7-dimensional descriptive system (MHQoL-7D) covering self-image, independence, mood, relationships, daily activities, physical health, and future, along with a visual analogue scale (MHQoL-VAS) for general psychological well-being. It was developed based on prior research and qualitative input from experts and participants (N = 120). Psychometric evaluation in service users (N = 479) and the general population (N = 110) showed high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.85), good test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.85), and strong convergent and known-group validity against EQ-5D-5L, MANSA, ICECAP-A, and BSI.
- HTA domains
- Patient and Social Aspects
- Assumptions
- Quality of life in mental health can be meaningfully captured through seven core dimensions identified through qualitative research and expert input; self-reported responses reflect true differences in quality of life.
- Strengths
- Developed with input from people with lived experience and experts, ensuring relevance and content validity.,Demonstrates strong psychometric properties including high internal consistency and test-retest reliability.,Capable of differentiating between groups with varying levels of psychological distress and between service users and the general population.
- Limitations
- May not capture all culturally specific or individual aspects of quality of life beyond the seven defined dimensions.,Validation data are limited to English-speaking populations and specific mental health service settings.,Lacks utility weights for generating quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) at this stage.
- Also known as
- MHQoL-7D, Mental Health Quality of Life Questionnaire descriptive system
Questions this answers
- › What is the impact of mental health conditions on an individual's quality of life across key life domains?
- › How do quality of life outcomes differ between mental health service users and the general population?
- › Can changes in psychological distress be detected through a multi-dimensional quality of life instrument?
- › How well does the MHQoL align with existing generic and mental health-specific outcome measures?
- › Is the MHQoL reliable and consistent when administered over time?
- › Does the MHQoL capture aspects of quality of life considered important by people with lived experience of mental health problems?
References & sources
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