A review of the measurement properties of the 36‐item short‐form health survey (SF‐36) to determine its suitability for use in an alcohol‐dependent population

Abstract

A psychometric evaluation of the 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36) was undertaken in contemporary studies to assess its suitability for use in an alcohol-dependent population. Three criteria were used to try and determine this: factor analysis, internal consistency reliability and test-retest reliability. Factor analysis revealed that it is mainly consistent with a bidimensional model, internal consistency reliability showed that it consistently provided scores above the recommended threshold and test-retest reliability of the SF-36 highlights that it too provided higher than suggested scores. A conclusion was reached recommending the SF-36 as a reliable screening tool in an alcohol-dependent population, but this is given in caution as no studies were found analysing the instrument in this population.

A validation study of the English version of the AlQol 9 to measure quality of life

“…In contrast to general QoL measures, which are structured around domains of similar importance, QoL tools specifically designed for alcohol dependence use measurements that allow for a specific selection of life areas that are most salient to alcoholism (11,24). Examples of life areas pertinent to alcoholism include familial, social and occupational domains where the repercussions of alcohol dependence are mostly experienced (14).…”

“…However, the evaluation of QoL among those who present with alcohol abuse and dependence has been conducted mainly using generic QoL instruments (e.g. the SF-36) (24). While generic measures allow for comparative comparisons across different categories and disorders, these tools may not fully capture all the nuances related to the QoL in a specific disorder.…”

Health of health care workers in Canadian nursing homes and pediatric hospitals: a cross-sectional study

“…The SF-36 is one of the most widely used health assessment tools 21 and is rigorously designed and psychometrically robust. [23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36] The SF-8 measures 8 health domains, each rated with the use of a 5-or 6-point Likert scale (Appendix 1, available at www. cmajopen.ca/content/5/4/E791/suppl/DC1).…”

An examination and appreciation of the dimensions of locus of control in psychosis: issues and relationships between constructs and measurement

“…, ) to determine its potential for application in psychosis. The narrative literature review approach has been adopted as this technique is ideal for theory building and providing a context for synthesis of related studies (McPherson & Martin ).…”