Validation of PozQoL scale in Turkish population living with HIV: a cross-cultural adaptation study

Background: The increasing number of people living with HIV requires a simple and easy-to-use quality of life (QoL) scale for people living with HIV (PLWH). This study aims to adapt the PozQoL scale into Turkish and assess its reliability and validity for the PLWH population in Turkey. Methods: Translation-back-translation methodology was employed, and face-to-face interviews were conducted with 130 patients using the PozQoL, socio-demographic, and clinical data questionnaire. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were utilized to identify the underlying factor structure and examine the validity of the measurement model, respectively. Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to assess internal consistency and test-retest reliability, respectively. Results: EFA revealed four factors with an eigenvalue of 0.88, explaining 62.1% of the cumulative variance. CFA indicated that the four-factor solution achieved good levels of fit. The total Cronbach's alpha was 0.81, indicating high internal consistency. The ICC for the total score was 0.92 (95% confidence interval (CI) [0.90-0.94]; p < 0.05), demonstrating high test-retest reliability. Conclusion: The Turkish version of the PozQoL was found to be a valid and reliable tool for assessing the health-related QoL of PLWH in Turkey.