The SF-36: reliable and valid for the institutionalized elderly?

Author(s): Lefort, S., Ribeiro, V.

Journal/Book: Aging Ment Health. 1998; 2: PO Box 25, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, England OX14 3UE. Carfax Publ Co. 24-27.

Abstract: The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 Health Status Questionnaire (SF-36) was administered to a sample of 45 seniors-15 of these were residents in the community, 15 in. An institution for seniors requiring low levels of care, and 15 in an institution for seniors requiring higher levels of care. The scale displayed a high degree of internal consistency except on the social functioning sub-scale. There was also evidence for the validity of the measure in that there was a gradient in scores from high in the community to low among those in the institution for seniors requiring higher levels of care. This gradient was most apparent in the Physical Functioning sub-scale. However, inspection of the content of the Physical and Social Functioning, and the Role Limitation sub-scales raises questions about their appropriateness for residents of a long-term care institution.

Note: Article Murray M, Mem Univ Newfoundland, Div Community Med, St Johns, NF AIB 3V6, CANADA

Keyword(s): HEALTH SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE; CARE

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