Assessment of the psychometrics properties of the Senegalese kidney disease quality of life - 36 (KDQOL-36) in patients with chronic kidney disease.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the validity, reliability and responsiveness of the Senegalese kidney disease quality of life (KDQOL-36). METHODS: This cross-sectional and multicenter psychometric evaluation was conducted between June and November 2024. The Wolof version of the KDQOL-36 scores was assessed in 575 Senegalese patients aged 18 years or older with stage 3-4 CKD or on dialysis, who had been followed for at least three months and not hospitalized during the previous three months. The factor structure was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis. We assessed internal consistency and test-retest reliability using α and ω coefficients, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman analysis. Construct validity was examined using "known group analyses", and responsiveness was evaluated using the paired Wilcoxon test, standardized response means and effect size. RESULTS: A bifactor structure was retained for the generic module, comprising overall, physical and mental health. A three-factor structure was confirmed for the kidney disease targeted scale, including the burden, symptoms/problems and effects. The scale and subscales showed sufficient internal consistency. Test-retest reliability was moderate to good. Known group analyses revealed significant differences in the scale scores between patients who received dialysis and who did not receive dialysis, and between men and women. Overall health, physical health, symptoms/problems and effects demonstrated moderate to high sensitivity to change. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence supporting the structural validity, construct validity, reliability, and responsiveness of the Senegalese Wolof version of the KDQOL-36 for assessing health-related quality of life.