Performance of the Swedish SF-36 version 2.0
Abstract
Objectives To evaluate the performance of the first non-English (Swedish) SF-36 version 2.0 (V2) regarding scaling assumptions, reliability and validity, with special emphasis on the effects of extending the response scales of the two role functioning scales, role physical (RP) and role emotional (RE), from a dichotomous to a five-step format.Methods Questionnaires were mailed to a non-stratified, random national sample of 3000 18-75 year old Swedish residents in 1998-1999. Methods traditionally used in evaluating the original US SF-36 version 1.0 (V1) and other international versions were applied.Results A total of 73% of the questionnaires were returned. Scaling assumptions were satisfactorily met and generally enhanced compared with V1, particularly regarding the role functioning scales. Floor/ceiling effects were reduced and reliability estimates increased for the role scales. The factor structure was replicated and the relative validity of the role scales as measures of their components increased. Overall, the tests of the criterion-based validity using known groups comparisons produced results supporting hypotheses: scales from the physical domain distinguished best between groups expected to differ in physical health; and scales comprising the mental domain distinguished best between groups expected to differ in mental health. Furthermore, hypothesized differences in mean scale scores as a function of age and social risk factors were confirmed.Conclusions The changes to the response formats of the role functioning scales have improved their precision, reliability and validity without jeopardizing the underlying structure of the original SF-36. These changes will likely further enhance the responsiveness of the SF-36.
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The SF-36v2 has proven satisfactory psychometric characteristics in Sweden and elsewhere.
“The SF-36v2 has proven satisfactory psychometric characteristics in Sweden (31) and elsewhere (32).”
The quality of life of workers in this population, assessed by SF-36, was very low as compared to a national sample.
“However, the quality of life of workers in our population, assessed by SF-36, was very low as compared to a national sample [39].”
From Which aspects of health differ between working and nonworking women with fibromyalgia? A cross-sectional study of work status and health (2012) · cites this paper as [39]
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“However, the quality of life of workers in our population, assessed by SF-36, was very low as compared to a national sample [39].”
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“The SF-36v2 has proven satisfactory psychometric characteristics in Sweden (31) and elsewhere (32).”
Influential
- Authors
- Taft, C., Karlsson, J., & Sullivan, M.
- Affiliations
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital (SE)
- Corresponding author
- Taft, Charles
- Venue
- Quality of Life Research
- Published
- 2004-02
- Volume
- 13
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 251-256
- ISSN
- 0962-9343 (ISSN-L)
- 1573-2649
- OpenAlex
- W2038755503
- Cited by
- 142
- References
- 13
- Citations by year
- 2026: 7 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 8 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 5 · 2019: 7 · 2018: 8 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 7 · 2015: 7 · 2014: 10 · 2013: 12 · 2012: 5
- FWCI
- 11.84
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Licence
- Locations
- Quality of Life Research (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Economics, Econometrics and Finance › Economics and Econometrics › Health Systems, Economic Evaluations, Quality of Life
- Social Sciences › Decision Sciences › Management Science and Operations Research › Psychometric Methodologies and Testing
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation
- Keywords
- Swedish translation, health-related quality of life, scaling assumptions, floor and ceiling effects, factor structure, known-groups comparison, reliability statistics, responsiveness, age differences, social risk factors
- MeSH terms
- Activities of Daily Living, Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Emotions, Female, Health Status Indicators, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Psychometrics, Quality of Life, Surveys and Questionnaires, Self-Assessment, Sweden, Principal Component Analysis
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