Objectives: To assess the reliability and validity of a simplified version of acne-specific quality of life (Acne-Qol-19) instrument in Han populations in Sichuan province.
Methods: Acne-Qol-19 was administered to 264 acne patients. Internal consistency, split-half reliability, content validity, criterion validity and construct validity (factor analysis) of Acne-Qol-19 were assessed.
Results: The Acne-Qol-19 obtained a Cronbach's α of 0.953 and split-half reliability of 0.902 (Spearman-Brown). Its content validity was well confirmed by dermatologists. The Acne-Qol-19 result was strongly associated (r =#-0.745) with Cardiff acne disabled index (CADI) (P <0.001). Confirmatory factor analysis yielded standardized loading of 0.853-0.944 on self-perception, 0.865-0.945 on role-social dimension, 0.383-0.898 on role-emotional dimension, and 0.612-0.867 on acne symptoms (P <0.01).
Conclusion: Acne-Qol-19 has good validity and reliability in Han populations in Sichuan.
Keywords: Acne-specific quality of life; Cardiff acne disabled index; Quality of life; Reliability.