title: [Using the RAND-36 among community-dwelling older adults can lead to an underestimation of self-reported health].
abstract: The overall health status of the population is often measured by RAND-36 item Health Survey. In 2012, Fontys and partners started a longitudinal field study in the Netherlands. This study is aimed at identifying factors that influence the use of technology by elderly individuals in order to increase independent living. A total of 50 participants aged 70 years or older, are interviewed every eight months, for a total of four years. In addition, participants are asked to fill in several questionnaires. One questionnaire that is (partly) included is the Dutch version of the RAND-36, which includes the statement; "I am as healthy as anybody I know". Some participants who find themselves healthier than other people they know (want to) fill in an answer that indicates that they find themselves less healthy than others (e.g. "I am not as healthy as anybody, I am healthier so I answer 'definitely false'"). Hence, the Dutch version of this RAND-36 statement can lead to an underestimation of the overall health status of Dutch elderly individuals.
authors.affiliation: Fontys Paramedische Hogeschool, lectoraat Health Innovations and Technology, Dominee Theodor Fliednerstraat 2, 5631 BN, Eindhoven, Nederland, s.aarts@fontys.nl.
authors.forename: Sil
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aarts
authors.forename: Sebastiaan T M
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Peek
authors.forename: Eveline J M
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Wouters
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D003153:Community Health Services; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly / Q000523:psychology; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands; D057566:Self Report; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires