Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Moroccan Arabic version of the the schizophrenia quality of life short-version questionnaire (SQol-18)

Abstract Background Assessing quality of life (QoL) is an important aspect of the management of chronic diseases such as schizophrenia. However, there is no validated Moroccan specific QoL instrument for schizophrenia patients. This study aimed to adapt and assess psychometric properties of The Schizophrenia Quality of life questionnaire (SQoL-18). Methods We conducted a cross sectional study between May 2022 and October 2022 of 43 patients with schizophrenia attending the psychiatry department at the University hospital Mohamed VI Marrakech, Morocco. The SQoL-18 was translated into Moroccan Arabic language using the forward and backward translation method. The final version was tested for content validity by a panel of experts including psychiatrists and epidemiologists. Internal consistency analysis was performed by measuring Cronbach's alpha, and external validity by testing the correlations with the the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Global Assessment of Functioning and WOOQOL-BREF. Results The Moroccan Arabic version of SQoL-18 was found to have satisfactory content validity. The global Cronbach's alpha was 0,866 and the specific Cronbach’s alpha for the dimensions of SQoL-18 were satisfactory except for one dimension (Self Esteem dimension). Higher QoL levels are globally associated with lower levels of severity of schizophrenia. Conclusion These results demonstrate satisfactory psychometric properties of the Moroccan Arabic version of SQoL-18.