SF-36 Questionnaire
The SF-36 questionnaire is a generic measure of health that is used to measure quality of life.
The 36-item questionnaire accrues scores from eight distinct health domains:
- Physical functioning assesses limitations to daily activities
- Role-physical identifies limitations in work or activities caused by physical health
- Bodily pain grades pain and limitations therefrom
- General health examines health perception
- Vitality comprises fatigue and energy scales
- Social functioning assesses social limitations
- Role-emotional identifies limitation in work or activities due to emotional health
- Mental health grades feelings of anxiety and depression
These eight scores ranges from 0-100, with a higher score indicating better health. A difference of 5 points in a particular domain is considered a minimal clinically and socially relevant change, whereas a 10-point difference indicates moderate change.
The SF-36 has been shown to have very good internal consistency and correlates well with other quality of life instruments.
