Validation of the Kiswahili version of the SF-36 Health Survey in a representative sample of an urban population in Tanzania

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the validity of a Kiswahili translation of the SF-36 Health Survey (SF-36) among an urban population in Tanzania, using the method of known-groups validation. People were randomly selected from a demographic surveillance system in Dar es Salaam. The representative sample consisted of 3,802 adults (15 years and older). Health status differences were hypothesized among groups, who differed in sex, age, socioeconomic status and self-reported morbidity. Mean SF-36 scale scores were calculated and compared using t-test and ANOVA. Women had significantly lower mean SF-36 scale scores (indicating worse health status) than men on all scales and scores were lower for older people than younger on all domains, as hypothesized. On five of the eight SF-36 scales, means were higher for people of higher socioeconomic status compared to those of lower socioeconomic status. People who reported an illness within the previous 2 weeks scored significantly lower on all scales compared to those who were healthy, as did people who said they had a disability or a chronic condition.

Comparison of Quality of Life Between Urban and Rural Menopause Women and its Predictors: A Population Base Study

“…The results obtained indicated above average QOL in all dimensions of QOL in the participants. Out of 8 dimensions assessed, general health and role limitations due to emotional problems, as vulnerable dimensions of QOL, respectively received the lowest scores in urban and rural women, which is consistent with different studies (16)(17)(18).…”

“…According to the regression model, income, satisfaction with children and menopausal symptoms are predictors consistent with different studies (16)(17)(18).…”

Sleep duration and health status self-assessment (SF-36) in the elderly: a population-based study (ISA-Camp 2008)

“…For males, the ≤ 5 and 6-hour categories were combined due to the small number of men who reported sleeping 5 or fewer hours. Analysis was performed separately for men and women, considering the reported association between gender and sleep duration 16,22 and the strong association between gender and health status in the elderly 35,36,37 .…”

Morbidades referidas e qualidade de vida: estudo de base populacional

“…Some studies show that certain factors can contribute to reduce HRQOL domain scores, including largest age group, decrease of functional capacity, low education level, physical inactivity and largest number of morbidities 3,4,5,6,7 .…”