OBJECTIVETo explore the application of factor analysis in creating a new health-related questionnaire for evaluating quality of life, the Chinese for Quality of Life Instrument (ChQOL).

METHODSTwo hundred and seventy-three subjects selected from two provinces of North China (Ningxia) and South China (Guangdong) were investigated by ChQOL, and the preliminary version was completed with factor analysis.

RESULTSFifty items were developed using factor analysis. The final structure model of ChQOL was confirmed through the screening and verification of factor structural model on the 78 items of ChQOL, a new questionnaire with more rational structure was confirmed.

CONCLUSIONFactor analysis is an effective method in developing new questionnaire.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Chronic Disease ; psychology ; Factor Analysis, Statistical ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Middle Aged ; Psychometrics ; Quality of Life ; Surveys and Questionnaires