Quality of Life and Deafness: Validation of the Systemic Inventory of Quality of Life in Quebec Sign Language

By Isabelle Lemay

Problem statement: Few studies have evaluated the quality of life of deaf individuals and it appears that no study has been conducted on this topic in Quebec. The systemic inventory of quality of life is validated as a tool to evaluate the quality of life of hearing individuals.

Goal: The goal of this study is to translate the Systemic Inventory of Quality of Life into Quebec Sign Language in order to evaluate the quality of life of signing deaf individuals in Quebec.

Methodology: The Systemic Inventory of Quality of Life is translated by two individuals born deaf of deaf parents and whose first language is Quebec Sign Language. The final statements are signed by one of the two deaf interpreters and recorded on CD-Rom to be transferred to a multimedia program on computer in order to facilitate and standardized the use of the questionnaire. Scales measuring the level of psychological distress, the presence of stressful situations and social support are also translated into Quebec Sign Language.

Sampling: Twenty three deaf individuals were recruited from deaf organizations.

Statistical analysis: Internal coherence, constancy of test/re-test, and the validity of the content (with regards to the psychological distress, to the presence of stressful situations and social support) are measured.

Results: The average internal coherence for nine of the Systemic Inventory of Quality of Life is 68 and the test/re-test constancy is 79. The validity of the content is demonstrated.