Mental health quality of life in low- and middle-income countries: an assessment tool

Mental health quality of life is a key factor for overall well-being, social wellness, thriving, and progress, but is seldom addressed in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to develop a psychometrically appropriate assessment tool of mental health quality of life (MHQoL) for use in the general population. The sample consisted of 1357 individuals selected non-randomly. Items were generated based on the conceptual models of the WHO, Duangchan and Mathews, Ferrans et al., Connell et al., and van Krutgen et al., following a systematic review of the research literature and expert participation. Exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor (CFA) analyses were conducted to test reliability, validity indexes, and model fit. The high internal consistency (α = 0.97) and the structure of 8 factors identified through EFA, which explained 74% of the variance, along with the good model fit obtained with CFA, provide a robust foundation for the psychometric properties of this assessment tool. The dimensions of MHQoL were found to align with previous research and correspond to components of mental health. The practical information obtained from this scale can pave the way for researchers, scholars, and health professionals to design culturally sensitive and targeted interventions that address mental health quality of life dimensions. By identifying and differentiating the structures of mental health quality of life in each community and implementing intervention programs targeted at specific dimensions, it is possible to enhance mental health, prevent further deterioration, and improve quality of life, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Mexico.