Validation of the SF-36 in patients with endometriosis

Qual Life Res. 2014 Feb;23(1):103-17. doi: 10.1007/s11136-013-0442-5. Epub 2013 Jul 13.

Abstract

Objectives: Endometriosis presents with significant pain as the most common symptom. Generic health measures can allow comparisons across diseases or populations. However, the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) has not been validated for this disease. The goal of this study was to validate the SF-36 (version 2) for endometriosis.

Methods: Using data from two clinical trials (N = 252 and 198) of treatment for endometriosis, a full complement of psychometric analyses was performed. Additional instruments included a pain visual analog scale (VAS); a physician-completed questionnaire based on patient interview (modified Biberoglu and Behrman--B&B); clinical global impression of change (CGI-C); and patient satisfaction with treatment.

Results: Bodily pain (BP) and the Physical Component Summary Score (PCS) were correlated with the pain VAS at baseline and over time and the B&B at baseline and end of study. In addition, those who had the greatest change in BP and PCS also reported the greatest change on CGI-C and patient satisfaction with treatment. Other subscales showed smaller, but significant, correlations with change in the pain VAS, CGI-C, and patient satisfaction with treatment.

Conclusions: The SF-36--particularly BP and the PCS--appears to be a valid and responsive measure for endometriosis and its treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Endometriosis / psychology*
  • Endometriosis / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pain / psychology
  • Pain Measurement
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Psychometrics / standards*
  • Quality of Life*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sickness Impact Profile*
  • Statistics as Topic
  • Surveys and Questionnaires / standards*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Visual Analog Scale