A scoring system for subjective health complaints (SHC)

Author(s): Ihlebaek, C., Ursin, H.

Journal/Book: Scand J Public Health. 1999; 27: PO Box 2959 Toyen, Journal Division Customer Service, N-0608 Oslo, Norway. Scandinavian University Press. 63-72.

Abstract: The aim of this study is to present a complete scoring system for subjective health complaints (SHC) as they are experienced by the lay population. The scoring system records the complaints, and does not map attributions or medical diagnoses. In all, 1,219 subjects (323 men, 896 women) from Various occupations were tested with a scoring system, the SHC inventory, previously referred to as the Ursin Health Inventory (UHI). The SHC consists of 29 questions concerning severity and duration of subjective somatic and psychological complaints. The SHC inventory yields scores on single items and a total number of health complaints categorized into five factors: musculoskeletal pain (alpha=0.74), pseudoneurology (alpha=0.73), gastrointestinal problems (alpha=0.62), allergy (alpha=0.58) and flu (alpha=0.67). The SHC inventory is a systematic, easy, and reliable way to score subjective health complaints. The prevalence of these complaints is high, and should be considered before conclusions are reached about new diseases and new attributions of environmental hazards.

Note: Article Eriksen HR, Univ Bergen, Dept Biol & Med Psychol, Arstadveien 21, NO-5009 Bergen, NORWAY

Keyword(s): fatigue; muscle pain; musculoskeletal disease; quality of life; questionnaire; reliability; scale; sensitivity; somatization disorder; tests; FEMALE HOSPITAL STAFF; BACK-PAIN; PHYSICAL EXERCISE; JOB STRESS; MUSCULOSKELETAL; SYMPTOMS; WORK; QUESTIONNAIRE; BEREAVEMENT; EXPERIENCE

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