Exploring the Quality of life of Polio Survivors in Northwest Nigeria: Selection of an Instrument for Future Cross-Cultural Adaptation

Abstract

Background: Consequences of paralytic polio may adversely affect the quality of life (QoL) of polio survivors. The promotion of QoL is the ultimate goal of rehabilitation interventions. Thus, QoL evaluation is essential for monitoring success. Researchers have employed a range of assessment instruments to evaluate the QoL of polio survivors in western settings. It is unclear whether those instruments are suitable for the measurement of QoL among polio survivors in northwest Nigeria. Purpose: To identify and select a pre-existing QoL measurement instrument that is appropriate for polio survivors in northwest Nigeria. Method: This dissertation employed three inter-related phases of studies. In the first phase, a scoping review of literature was conducted to identify available instruments, which are used to evaluate the QoL of polio survivors globally. In the second phase, a qualitative exploration of the perception of QoL among polio survivors in northwest Nigeria was done using a qualitative descriptive study. In the third phase, an integrative review of literature was performed using the findings of the first and second phase of the dissertation to select a QoL instrument that reflects the perspectives of polio survivors in northwest Nigeria and at the same time exhibits good psychometric properties. Result: Eleven QoL assessment instruments were identified in the scoping review. Most of the instruments are generic, self-reported, and multidimensional. Despite having good measurement properties, these properties were mostly not evaluated among polio survivors. The qualitative description showed that polio survivors in northwest Nigeria perceived QoL as a blend of satisfaction of needs, happiness, spirituality, and self-perception. Subsequently, the integrative review reveals that the Quality of Life Index is consistent with the perspectives of the polio survivors in northwest Nigeria and has satisfactory measurement properties. Conclusion: Most instruments that are employed to evaluate QoL among polio survivors are not primarily designed as QoL scales. It is imperative to consider and reflect on the perspectives of the polio survivors to select a scale that is conceptually and contextually relevant. This dissertation demonstrated how the perspectives of polio survivors could be integrated to select the appropriate instrument. The dissertation also recommends the Quality of Life Index for future cross-cultural adaptation and validation in the northwest Nigerian context.