PozQoL scale translations and tools
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Find translations, download the scale, and explore tools to assist with implementation
The content below provides essential resources to support your use of the PozQoL scale:
- ⚠️ Important information: Familiarise yourself with the terms, conditions, and legal guidelines for using the PozQoL scale
- 🌐 PozQoL scale translations: Find versions of the scale in a variety of languages to suit global contexts
- 🛠️ PozQoL tools: Access practical resources to help implement PozQoL effectively
- 📥 Full downloads list: Explore all available materials in one central location
- 🟡 PozQoL stories: Discover PozQoL stories highlighting how specific language versions of the scale were applied in various settings
Please read this information carefully before using the PozQoL scale and tools.
The following sections provide key information about:
The PozQoL scale
Make sure you understand how to use PozQoL before administering it to clients:
- Refer to the information in the using PozQoL section of this site
- Download the PozQoL scale implementation kit
The PozQoL scale is available in over 30 languages.
PozQoL tools
The PozQoL tools have been created to help you use PozQoL in your work. They have been developed with the help and feedback of people who are already using PozQoL.
They are practical, user-friendly resources to help you:
- Implement the PozQoL scale in various settings
- Calculate PozQoL scores for individuals
- Calculate and compare group PozQoL scores over time
- Support people with low PozQoL scores
The PozQoL tools are available in English only.
Key terms of use
Before using PozQoL, please see our full privacy statement and terms of use. The following summary answers some frequently asked questions.
You can use any translation of the PozQoL scale without permission for non-commercial purposes, including in:
- Clinics
- Community organisations
- Any other healthcare provision
- Research (including clinical trials)
You must not charge people living with HIV to:
- Complete the PozQoL scale
- Access their results (PozQoL scores)
- Share their results with their care providers
You should not change the:
- Wording of the items
- Order of the items
- Instructions or introductory text in front of the PozQoL scale
Let us know if you’re using PozQoL:
Your feedback helps us improve PozQoL and keep our resources relevant and up to date.
Help us enhance PozQoL
Whether you have used, are using, or are considering using the PozQoL scale and tools, your insights are important to us.
Please share your thoughts on:
- Your experience with the PozQoL scale and tools
- Ideas for new tools or improvements
- How easy it was to use PozQoL
- Additional support or resources that could have helped
- The clarity and cultural appropriateness of translations
- Any other feedback or suggestions
Your feedback will help us:
- Make PozQoL easier to use
- Help others implement PozQoL effectively
- Improve and expand our resources
We also encourage you to create new translations and tools, under the following conditions:
- Please share these with us to help make them available to everyone
- By sharing these with us, you agree to allow us to distribute them under the same Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Derivatives License as the original PozQoL documents
Thank you for helping us improve PozQoL!
The following information is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of last update.
These translations have been developed to help you implement PozQoL in diverse settings. While some versions have been tested or used in practice, others await further validation. Let us know if you have used or validated a version so we can keep this information up to date.
Click the language names below to explore the different translations.
English (original version)
English
About this version
The English version of PozQoL:
- Is the original version developed by the PozQoL team
- Was tested on a sample of 465 adults living with HIV in Australia (2018) and demonstrated very good reliability and validity
- Was piloted in 10 Australian organisations that work with people living with HIV
- Has been used in practice with English speakers
This version of PozQoL is suitable for English speakers in different countries and contexts, including people whose first language is not English.
If English is not someone’s first language, we recommend checking whether they would prefer to complete PozQoL in English or another available language.
Selected publications using this version
- HIV Futures 10: Quality of life among people living with HIV in Australia (2022)
- Quality of life of people living with HIV in Australia: The role of stigma, social disconnection and mental health (2022)
- Quality of life in people living with HIV in Aotearoa New Zealand: an exploratory cross-sectional study (2022)
PozQoL stories using this version
Amharic – አማርኛ
Amharic – አማርኛ
About this version
The Amharic version of PozQoL:
- Was translated through a professional translation service with support from ViiV Healthcare
- We are not yet aware of formal validation or practice examples with Amharic speakers
Arabic – العربية
Arabic – العربية
About this version
The Arabic version of PozQoL:
- Was translated through a professional translation service
- We are not yet aware of formal validation or practice examples with Arabic speakers
Burmese (Myanmar) – မြန်မာ
Burmese (Myanmar) – မြန်မာ
About this version
The Burmese version of PozQoL:
- Was translated through a professional translation service
- We are not yet aware of formal validation or practice examples with Burmese speakers
Chinese (Simplified) – 简体中文
Chinese (Simplified) – 简体中文
About this version
The Simplified Chinese version of PozQoL:
- Was translated through a professional translation service
- We are not yet aware of formal validation or practice examples with people literate in Simplified Chinese
This translation is generally most appropriate for people who read Simplified Chinese characters, including many people from:
- Mainland China
- Malaysia
- Singapore
If in doubt, check with the person whether they prefer Simplified or Traditional Chinese characters.
Chinese (Traditional) – 繁體中文
Chinese (Traditional) – 繁體中文
About this version
The Traditional Chinese version of PozQoL:
- Was translated through a professional translation service with support from ViiV Healthcare
- We are not yet aware of formal validation or practice examples with people literate in Traditional Chinese
This translation is generally most appropriate for people who read Traditional Chinese characters, including many people from:
- Taiwan
- Hong Kong
- Macau
- International Chinese communities
If in doubt, check with the person whether they prefer Traditional or Simplified Chinese characters.
Dutch – Nederlands
Dutch – Nederlands
About this version
The Dutch version of PozQoL:
- Was translated through a professional translation service with support from ViiV Healthcare
- We are not yet aware of formal validation or practice examples with Dutch speakers
This translation is generally most appropriate for Dutch speakers from the Netherlands. If you are working with Dutch speakers from Belgium, consider offering the Flemish translation as an option.
Farsi (Persian) – فارسی
Farsi (Persian) – فارسی
About this version
The Farsi version of PozQoL:
- Was translated through a professional translation service
- We are not yet aware of formal validation or practice examples with Farsi speakers
Flemish – Vlaams
Flemish – Vlaams
About this version
The Flemish version of PozQoL:
- Was translated through a professional translation service with support from ViiV Healthcare
- We are not yet aware of formal validation or practice examples with Flemish speakers
This translation is generally most appropriate for Dutch speakers from Belgium. If in doubt, check whether the person prefers Belgian Dutch (Flemish) or Standard Dutch.
French (Canada) – Français (Canada)
French (Canada) – Français (Canada)
About this version
The French (Canada) version of PozQoL:
- Was translated through a professional translation service with support from ViiV Healthcare
- Has been used in practice with French speakers
- We are not yet aware of formal validation with French speakers
This translation is generally most appropriate for French speakers from Canada. If in doubt, check whether the person prefers this translation or the French (France) translation.
French (France) – Français (France)
French (France) – Français (France)
About this version
The French (France) version of PozQoL:
- Was translated through a professional translation service with support from ViiV Healthcare
- Has been used in practice with French speakers
- We are not yet aware of formal validation with French speakers
This translation is generally suitable for French speakers in different countries and contexts. If you are working with French speakers from Canada, consider offering the French (Canada) translation as an option.
German – Deutsch
German – Deutsch
About this version
The German version of PozQoL:
- Was translated through a professional translation service with support from ViiV Healthcare
- We are not yet aware of formal validation or practice examples with German speakers
Greek – Ελληνικά
Greek – Ελληνικά
About this version
The Greek version of PozQoL:
- Was translated through a professional translation service with support from Adelphi Real World
- We are not yet aware of formal validation or practice examples with Greek speakers
Haitian Creole – Kreyòl ayisyen
Haitian Creole – Kreyòl ayisyen
About this version
The Haitian Creole version of PozQoL:
- Was translated through a professional translation service with support from ViiV Healthcare
- We are not yet aware of formal validation or practice examples with Haitian Creole speakers
Hindi – हिंदी
Hindi – हिंदी
About this version
The Hindi version of PozQoL:
- Was translated through a professional translation service
- We are not yet aware of formal validation or practice examples with Hindi speakers
Indonesian – Bahasa Indonesia
Indonesian – Bahasa Indonesia
About this version
The Indonesian version of PozQoL:
- Was translated through a professional translation service
- We are not yet aware of formal validation or practice examples with Indonesian speakers
Italian – Italiano
Italian – Italiano
About this version
The Italian version of PozQoL:
- Was translated through a professional translation service with support from ViiV Healthcare
- We are not yet aware of formal validation or practice examples with Italian speakers
Japanese – 日本語
Japanese – 日本語
About this version
The Japanese version of PozQoL:
- Was translated through a professional translation service with support from ViiV Healthcare
- We are not yet aware of formal validation or practice examples with Japanese speakers
Khmer (Cambodian) – ភាសាខ្មែរ
Khmer (Cambodian) – ភាសាខ្មែរ
About this version
The Khmer version of PozQoL:
- Was translated through a professional translation service
- We are not yet aware of formal validation or practice examples with Khmer speakers
Korean – 한국어
Korean – 한국어
About this version
The Korean version of PozQoL:
- Was translated through a professional translation service with support from ViiV Healthcare
- Has been used in published research with Korean speakers
- We are not yet aware of formal validation with Korean speakers
Selected publications using this version
PozQoL stories using this version
Norwegian – Norsk
Norwegian – Norsk
About this version
The Norwegian version of PozQoL:
- Was translated through a professional translation service with support from Adelphi Real World
- We are not yet aware of formal validation or practice examples with Norwegian speakers
Polish – Polski
Polish – Polski
About this version
The Polish version of PozQoL:
- Was translated through a professional translation service with support from Adelphi Real World
- We are not yet aware of formal validation or practice examples with Polish speakers
Portuguese (Brazil) – Português do Brasil
Portuguese (Brazil) – Português do Brasil
About this version
The Portuguese (Brazil) version of PozQoL:
- Was translated through a professional translation service with support from ViiV Healthcare
- We are not yet aware of formal validation or practice examples with Portuguese speakers
This translation is generally most appropriate for Portuguese speakers from Brazil. If in doubt, check whether the person prefers this translation or the Portuguese (Portugal) translation.
Portuguese (Portugal) – Português de Portugal
Portuguese (Portugal) – Português de Portugal
About this version
The Portuguese (Portugal) version of PozQoL:
- Was translated through a professional translation service with support from ViiV Healthcare
- We are not yet aware of formal validation or practice examples with Portuguese speakers
This translation is generally suitable for Portuguese speakers in different countries and contexts. If you are working with Portuguese speakers from Brazil, consider offering the Portuguese (Brazil) translation as an option. If in doubt, check whether the person prefers the Portuguese (Portugal) or Portuguese (Brazil) translation.
Punjabi – ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
Punjabi – ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
About this version
The Punjabi version of PozQoL:
- Was translated through a professional translation service
- We are not yet aware of formal validation or practice examples with Punjabi speakers
Spanish (Latin America) – Español latinoamericano
Spanish (Latin America) – Español latinoamericano
About this version
The Spanish (Latin America) version of PozQoL:
- Was translated through a professional translation service with support from ViiV Healthcare
- Has been used in practice with Spanish speakers
- We are not yet aware of formal validation with Spanish speakers
This translation is generally suitable for Spanish speakers from Latin American countries or with Latin American heritage, including people in the USA with Hispanic backgrounds. If in doubt, check whether the person prefers the Spanish (Spain) or Spanish (Latin America) translation.
PozQoL stories using this version
Spanish (Spain) – Español de España
Spanish (Spain) – Español de España
About this version
The Spanish (Spain) version of PozQoL:
- Was translated through a professional translation service with support from ViiV Healthcare
- Has been used in practice with Spanish speakers
- We are not yet aware of formal validation with Spanish speakers
This translation is generally most suitable for Spanish speakers from Spain. If you are working with Spanish speakers from Latin American countries, consider offering the Spanish (Latin America) translation as an option.
Selected publications using this version
PozQoL stories using this version
Swedish – Svenska
Swedish – Svenska
About this version
The Swedish version of PozQoL:
- Was independently translated through Positiva Gruppen Syd, Malmö, Sweden
- Has been used in practice with Swedish speakers
- We are not yet aware of formal validation with Swedish speakers
Thai – ไทย
Thai – ไทย
About this version
The Thai version of PozQoL:
- Was translated through a professional translation service
- We are not yet aware of formal validation or practice examples with Thai speakers
Turkish – Türkçe
Turkish – Türkçe
About this version
The Turkish version of PozQoL:
- Was independently translated through Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
- Was tested on a sample of 119 male adults living with HIV in Turkey (2024) and found to be a valid and reliable tool to assess quality of life among PLHIV in Turkey
- Has been used in practice with Turkish speakers
Selected publications using this version
- Validation of PozQoL scale in Turkish population living with HIV: a cross-cultural adaptation study
- Quality of life and associated factors among people living with HIV in Türkiye: A single-centre experience
Ukrainian – українська
Ukrainian – українська
About this version
The Ukrainian version of PozQoL:
- Was translated through a professional translation service with support from Adelphi Real World
- We are not yet aware of formal validation or practice examples with Ukrainian speakers
Urdu – اردو
Urdu – اردو
About this version
The Urdu version of PozQoL:
- Was translated through a professional translation service
- We are not yet aware of formal validation or practice examples with Urdu speakers
Vietnamese – Tiếng Việt
Vietnamese – Tiếng Việt
About these versions
Two Vietnamese versions of PozQoL are available. One was translated for the PozQoL website, and one was translated and used by a research team in Vietnam. We provide both so users can review them and choose the version that best fits their setting.
PozQoL website version
This version:
- Was translated through a professional translation service for the PozQoL website
- Uses the standard PozQoL response scale, from 1 = not at all to 5 = extremely
- We are not yet aware of formal validation or published use of this version
Vietnam study version
This version:
- Was translated in Vietnam using a back-translation process
- Was used in published research with people living with HIV receiving ART at Thu Duc City Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Uses the same 13 PozQoL items
- Uses a frequency-based response scale, from 1 = almost never to 5 = almost always
Before using PozQoL in Vietnamese, please review both versions and choose the one that best fits your setting, community, and purpose. We welcome feedback on wording, cultural appropriateness, and practical use.
Vietnam study publication
Can’t find the version you need? Let us know if you would like to contribute a new translation or share insights about a version you’ve used.
Practical tools to help you implement PozQoL effectively.
These tools are designed to help you use PozQoL in your work. Developed with input and feedback from current PozQoL users, they aim to enhance your experience and support you in effectively measuring and improving quality of life for people living with HIV.
Click the tabs below to learn about each tool.
PozQoL Implementation Kit
The implementation kit was co-designed by organisations involved in the PozQoL usability trial. It provides practical information on using the PozQoL scale.
Recommendations for supporting people with low PozQoL scores
This tool offers recommendations for working with individuals living with HIV who have low scores in different PozQoL domains. The recommendations were developed with the help of peer-led services for people living with HIV. They can help service providers deliver more person-centred care for people living with HIV.
The tool is available in two versions: a PDF and an editable Word document. Both include a table outlining suggested referrals and interventions tailored to each domain to support the well-being of individuals with low PozQoL scores. The editable document also includes:
- An additional column to list specific services you can refer your clients to
- Space for details such as descriptions, contact information, and referral procedures for these services
- Tables of current thresholds for interpreting PozQoL scores for easy reference
Pre-post group PozQoL score calculator
The pre-post group PozQoL calculator is a spreadsheet tool designed to allow you to enter PozQoL scores for one or more clients at two different points in time. It calculates and compares individual and group PozQoL scores for both time points, providing valuable insights into changes and trends in quality of life among your clients.
External PozQoL resources
Some external organisations have developed resources to support the use of PozQoL in clinical, community, and health service settings. These resources may be useful alongside the official PozQoL scale, translations, and tools provided on this website.
Please check each organisation’s website for the most current version of their resources.
ASHM: What is PozQoL?
ASHM has developed a brief PozQoL resource for clinicians and health services. It explains how PozQoL can complement clinical indicators by providing a structured way to track wellbeing over time.
The resource includes practical guidance on:
- When and how often PozQoL may be completed
- How PozQoL can be integrated into clinic visits
- How to introduce PozQoL to patients
- Patient confidentiality, accessibility, and cultural sensitivity
- Interpreting results and considering referral pathways
- Scoring the PozQoL scale
View ASHM’s What is PozQoL? resource
ViiV Healthcare: PozQoL digital tool and resources
The ViiV Healthcare website provides an online PozQoL Digital Tool and broader information about quality of life and wellbeing for people living with HIV.
PozQoL Digital Tool
The PozQoL Digital Tool allows people to:
- Complete PozQoL online in multiple languages
- Print a PDF copy of their responses and scores
- Keep the PDF for personal use or share it with service providers
The tool is anonymous: no information is stored or recorded.
PozQoL Scale: An explanation guide
This downloadable PDF is aimed at service providers considering PozQoL for their work. It includes:
- An introduction to PozQoL
- An explanation of the four domains
- Guidance on when and how PozQoL can be used
- Guidance on calculating and interpreting PozQoL scores
Download the PozQoL Scale: An explanation guide
PozQoL Scale Next Steps booklet
This downloadable PDF booklet is designed for people who have completed PozQoL and want to discuss their scores with a doctor. It includes:
- Space to record PozQoL scores
- Space to record notes, supports discussed, and follow-up steps
- Prompts for first and later consultations
- Domain-specific prompts to help people discuss their quality of life
- Wellbeing tips, including when peer support or referral pathways may be useful
Quick access to all downloadable PozQoL resources.
Need a straightforward list of everything available? Here you’ll find all our resources in one place for easy download:
PozQoL scale translations (pdf)
- English (original version)
- Amharic – አማርኛ
- Arabic – العربية
- Burmese (Myanmar) – မြန်မာ
- Chinese (Simplified) – 简体中文
- Chinese (Traditional) – 繁體中文
- Dutch – Nederlands
- Farsi (Persian) – فارسی
- Flemish – Vlaams
- French (Canada) – Français (Canada)
- French (France) – Français (France)
- German – Deutsch
- Greek – Ελληνικά
- Haitian Creole – Kreyòl ayisyen
- Hindi – हिंदी
- Indonesian – Bahasa Indonesia
- Italian – Italiano
- Japanese – 日本語
- Khmer (Cambodian) – ភាសាខ្មែរ
- Korean – 한국어
- Norwegian – Norsk
- Polish – Polski
- Portuguese (Brazil) – Português do Brasil
- Portuguese (Portugal) – Português de Portugal
- Punjabi – ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
- Spanish (Latin America) – Español latinoamericano
- Spanish (Spain) – Español de España
- Swedish – Svenska
- Thai – ไทย
- Turkish – Türkçe
- Ukrainian – українська
- Urdu – اردو
- Vietnamese – Tiếng Việt (PozQoL website version)
- Vietnamese – Tiếng Việt (Vietnam study version)
PozQoL tools
- PozQoL Implementation Kit – PDF file
- Recommendations for supporting people with low PozQoL scores – PDF file & editable Word (.docx) file
- Pre-post group PozQoL score calculator – Excel (.xlsx) spreadsheet
Explore stories showcasing how different language versions of the PozQoL scale have been used
See how organisations and researchers have applied PozQoL in various contexts using translations that meet the needs of their communities.
Use the drop-down menu to select a language version and explore relevant stories.
