Measurement invariance of the Arabic version of the WHOQOL-BREF among special education teachers

Abstract

This study aimed to validate the Arabic version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life: Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) using a convenience sample of 232 special education teachers. The scale’s psychometric properties were assessed through exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and measurement invariance testing. EFA supported a four-factor structure explaining 55.87% of the variance, and the scale demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = .923; McDonald’s omega = .921). Convergent validity was confirmed by a significant positive correlation with the Quality of Life Scale (QOLS), while discriminant validity was supported by a significant negative correlation with the Health and Suffering Scale (HSS; r = –0.539, p = .001). Additionally, the QOLS was negatively correlated with the HSS (r = –0.589, p = .001), reinforcing the validity of the chosen quality-of-life measures. CFA confirmed the four-factor model, and multi-group CFA showed measurement invariance across gender but not across educational levels. Model fit was slightly weaker for the bachelor’s group compared to the master’s and Ph.D. groups. The study concludes with a discussion of its limitations and implications.