Empirical Evidence for a Process-Based Model of Health-Related Quality of Life Using Network Analysis

Background Health-related quality of life (HRQL) is the perceived impact of a medical condition on one’s overall well-being. While contemporary assessments are structured to evaluate an individual’s HRQL state, we propose a complementary process-based model, which is defined as an appraisal that evolves over time as it reflects and informs a self-regulatory process of adapting to dynamic changes in bio-psycho-social life domains. In support of this approach, we developed a novel HRQL assessment tool called the EUROIA: EvalUation of goal-diRected activities to prOmote well-beIng and heAlth, which uses self-report data to assess the frequency with which individuals engage in a sample of goal-directed activities in pursuit of living well. Methods We conducted a network analysis to evaluate the hypothesis that the EUROIA subscales would demonstrate a meaningful pattern of associations with an established HRQL measure and associated indices of psychosocial functioning and efficacy in self-managing a chronic medical condition. Results The EUROIA is associated with established indices of HRQL in a manner that is theoretically consistent with our process-based model. Stability coefficients (i.e., betweenness, closeness, and strength) of the analysis revealed high reliability for the network. Conclusion This analysis provides support for the validation of a process-based approach to HRQL assessment, which is represented, in part, by the EUROIA. A process-based approach complements and expands conventional measures of HRQL by focusing on how a patient’s capacity to engage in goal-directed activities for living well is affected by their medical condition.