title: SF-6D Portuguese population norms.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Population-based norms are important because they provide benchmarks that allow the interpretation of subgroups of population health, comparisons between studies, information on health inequalities and support for health-care interventions. The SF-6D is a preference-based measure of health, the use of which has been increasing throughout the world.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Other countries have provided population norms for the SF-6D. To date, SF-6D population norms for Portugal do not exist. This study therefore aimed to derive SF-6D Portuguese population norms.
  
  
  METHODS
  A representative sample of the Portuguese general public (n = 1,500) was used in a telephone-based interview. The SF-36v2 was applied and the Portuguese SF-6D value set was used to obtain the SF-6D index. Descriptive and inferential data analyses were applied to sociodemographic variables, the dimensions of the SF-6D and the SF-6D index. Health index scores of the target population and selected subpopulations were estimated using domain estimation techniques when necessary.
  
  
  RESULTS
  SF-6D utility scores decline with increasing age. Women, widowed individuals and individuals with low educational attainment report lower levels of SF-6D utility scores than men, those with a high educational attainment and those who are single.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study reports Portuguese population norms measured using the SF-6D based on a national representative sample. These results can be used as reference data to inform policy.
authors: Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
authors: Pedro L
authors: PL
authors: Ferreira
authors: Lara N
authors: LN
authors: Ferreira
authors: Luis N
authors: LN
authors: Pereira
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D011174:Portugal; D011788:Quality of Life; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult