Short form 36 (SF36) health survey questionnaire: normative data for adults of working age.
OBJECTIVE
To gain population norms for the short form 36 health survey questionnaire (SF36) in a large community sample and to explore the questionnaire's internal consistency and validity.


METHODS
Postal survey by using a booklet containing the SF36 and several other items concerned with lifestyles and illness.


METHODS
The sample was drawn from computerised registers of the family health services authorities for Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, and Oxfordshire.


METHODS
13,042 randomly selected subjects aged 18-64 years.


METHODS
Scores for the eight health dimensions of the SF36.


RESULTS
The survey achieved a response rate of 72% (n = 9332). Internal consistency of the different dimensions of the questionnaire was high. Normative data broken down by age, sex, and social class were consistent with those from previous studies.


CONCLUSIONS
The SF36 is a potentially valuable tool in medical research. The normative data provided here may further facilitate its validation and use.
Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Infirmary.
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Jenkinson
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Coulter
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Wright
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011177:Postal Service; D011897:Random Allocation; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*