Measuring QoL with SF-36 in Older Americans with TBI

摘要: This study demonstrated reliability and factor structure of the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) among older Americans with Traumatic brain injury (TBI), evaluated effects severity race on SF-36's items latent domains. A representative sample 654 older, racially diverse patients TBI was selected from South Carolina Brain Injury Follow-up Registry. Reliability SF-36 were using Cronbach’s alpha confirmatory analysis (CFA). Multiple-indicator multiple-causes (MIMIC) models used to (differential item functioning, DIF) domains (population heterogeneity) SF-36. reliable its current eightfactor confirmed. While did not impact domain scores SF-36, did. Blacks had higher vitality lower role-emotional than whites. The measurement model invariant (free DIF), DIF contribute differences between black white patients. valid measure quality life (OoL) after in elderly population. tend assert strong coping behaviors presence physical stress while admitting low performance due emotional stress. In QoL research where primary outcomes are usually composite instruments, MIMIC have advantages over conventional multivariable regression testing validity instruments assessing covariate traits controlling for effects.