Quality of life and well-being of headache patients: measurement by the medical outcomes study instrument.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the reliability and validity of the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Short Form Health Survey as an indicator for quality of life in patients with chronic headaches.


METHODS
Patient interview survey.


METHODS
A headache clinic within a multi-specialty group practice.


METHODS
208 consecutive patients seeking evaluation of headache at the above site.


METHODS
All six health components of the MOS Short Form Health Survey were included in the study.


RESULTS
The MOS Short Form Health Survey was both reliable and valid in the group of patients with headache. Patients with headache had significantly worse physical, social, and role functioning, and worse mental health than did patients with chronic diseases (P < 0.0001). The functioning associated with chronic headaches was worse than that associated with major chronic medical conditions such as arthritis and diabetes, and was comparable to the level of functioning associated with recent myocardial infarction or congestive heart failure.


CONCLUSIONS
The MOS survey is a reliable measure of quality of life for patients with chronic headaches. Chronic headache disorders cause significantly more morbidity and impairment of function than has previously been appreciated.
Department of General Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195-5039.
G D
GD
Solomon
F G
FG
Skobieranda
L A
LA
Gragg
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011788:Quality of Life