The WHO-5 Well-Being Index is a questionnaire that measures current mental well-being. In a measure of positive quality of life it is important to avoid symptom-related language and to use only positively phrased questions.

Scoring
The raw score is calculated by totaling the figures of the five answers. The raw score ranges from 0 to 25. Zero representing worst possible and 25 representing best possible quality of life. To obtain a percentage score ranging from 0 to 100, the raw score is multiplied by 4. A percentage score of 0 represents worst possible, whereas a score of 100 represents best possible quality of life.

Interpretation
A score below 13 indicates poor well-being and is an indication for testing for depression under ICD-10.

Monitoring Change
In order to monitor possible changes in well-being, the percentage score is used. A 10% difference indicates a significant change. 

Downloads

WHO-5.pdf