Using the SF-36 with older adults: a cross-sectional community-based survey.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the practicality and validity of using the 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36) in a community-dwelling population over 65, and to obtain population scores in this age group.


METHODS
Postal survey, using a questionnaire booklet containing the SF-36 and other health-related items, of all those aged 65 or over registered with 12 general practices in Sheffield. Non-respondents received up to two reminders at 3-weekly intervals.


METHODS
9897 subjects, aged 65-104 years.


METHODS
Scores for the eight dimensions of the SF-36 and a modified version of the physical functioning dimension.


RESULTS
The SF-36 achieved a response rate of 82% (n=8117) and dimension completion rates of 86.4-97.7%. Internal consistency measured by Cronbach's alpha exceeded 0.80 for all dimensions except social functioning. These results compare favourably with postal surveys of younger adults. We calculated scores for older adults by age and sex. Comparison with data from younger people showed how physical health declines steeply with age, in marked contrast to mental health.


CONCLUSIONS
The SF-36 is a practical and valid instrument for use in postal surveys of older people living at home. The population scores provided here may facilitate its use in future surveys of older adults.
Walters
S J
SJ
Sheffield Health Economics, University of Sheffield, Regent Court, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield S1 4DA, UK. s.j.walters@sheffield.ac.uk
Munro
J F
JF
Brazier
J E
JE
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003153:Community Health Services; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires