Translation and validation of the Work-Related Quality of Life Scale (WRQoLS-2) in a nursing cohort

Abstract

Objectives The purpose of this study was to translate the Work-Related Quality of Life Scale (WRQoLS-2) into Chinese and validate the capacity of the tool to effectively measure this concept in a cohort of nursing professionals from mainland China. Methods The Chinese version of the WRQoLS-2 (WRQoLS-2C) was developed using forward and backward language translation. In total, 639 nurses were invited to complete the WRQoLS-2C. Two weeks later, 79 (12.4%) nurses were retested. Construct validity was analysed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA, CFA). Cronbach’s α and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to assess internal consistency, reliability and test-retest reliability. Correlation between the WRQoLS-2C and the Quality of Nursing Work Life scale (QNWL) total score was used to assess criterion-relation validity. Results A seven-factor structure was revealed and confirmed using EFA (explaining 70.3% of the variance) and CFA (χ2 = 680.39, df = 413, χ2/df = 1.65, p < 0.001). The goodness-of-fit index was 0.88, and adjusted goodness-of-fit index 0.86 indicating a reliable model. The internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.94) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.84) of the WRQoLS-2C were high. The correlation coefficient between the WRQoLS-2C and QNWL total scores was 0.79 (p < 0.01). Conclusion The WRQoLS-2C was a reliable and valid instrument that can be used to assess WRQoL in the mainland China nursing profession. Impact statement There are few options available to assess work related quality of life in Chinese language. This study has confirmed that the WRQoLs-2C is an effective instrument to measure this concept in nurses from mainland China. Plain language summary (PLS) Work related quality of life is an important predictor of workplace turnover intension. Managers can take measures to improve work related quality of life and reduce employee attrition. There are very few tools to measure work related quality of life and fewer in Chinese language. We translated the WRQoLS-2 into Chinese according to Brislin's translation model, following cross-cultural adaption guidelines, and verified its reliability and validity in a cohort of mainland Chinese nurses. The translated instrument has good reliability and validity in nurses, but has not yet been verified in other occupational groups.