Population based norming of the Chinese (HK) version of the SF-36 health survey

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to establish normative values of the SF-36 Health Survey of the Chinese adult population in Hong Kong so that local references for meaningful interpretation of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measurements would be available. Design: A cross-sectional telephone survey. Subject: Chinese adults aged 18 years or above randomly selected from the general population in Hong Kong. Main outcome measures: The Chinese (HK) SF-36 Health survey and demographic variables. The normative values of the SF-36 of the general population and different age/sex groups. Results: 2410 subjects completed the survey. The SF-36 scores on Physical Functioning, Role-physical, Bodily Pain and Social Functioning of the study sample were higher but the scores on General Health, Role-emotional and Mental Health were lower than those of the US norms. Age and gender had significant and substantial effects on the SF-36 scores. There was a social class gradient on the General Health, Vitality and Mental Health scores. Other demographic factors had little or no effects on the SF-36 scores. Conclusion: The Chinese (HK) version of the SF-36 is, at present, the only HRQOL measure that has been both validated and normed on Chinese adults in Hong Kong. It can be used as a standard HRQOL instrument to measure the impact of illnesses and the effect of interventions on the quality of life of our Chinese population.