Rethinking and rescoring the SF-12.
OBJECTIVE
To derive and assess the validity of an Australian version of the SF-12 quality-of-life questionnaire.


METHODS
Using regression methods and structural equation modelling to obtain item weights, an Australian version of the SF-12 was derived from Australian population survey data and compared to the existing United States (US) SF-12 variable set.


RESULTS
The Australian version of the SF-12 explained 94% of the variation for physical components summary (PCS) and the mental components summary (MCS) of the SF-36 questionnaire. There was high level of agreement on the MCS and PCS summary scores between both versions of the SF-12 and the SF-36.


CONCLUSIONS
Although it is possible to derive a valid Australian version of the SF-12 it is concluded the US version of the SF-12 be used for reasons of international comparability, but using item weights derived from structural equation modelling.
Wilson
David
D
Department of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, South Australia 5011. David.Wilson@dhs.sa.gov.au
Tucker
Graeme
G
Chittleborough
Catherine
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001315:Australia; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D003625:Data Collection / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015233:Models, Statistical; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*; D014481:United States