Assessing a self-report health measure for non-english-speaking elders: Issues in using the SF-36 Health Survey

Maryalice Jordan-Marsh, Michael Cody, Merril Silverstein, Soo Young Chin, Ruth Garcia

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: Approved versions of the SF-36 Version 1.0 are used for limited-English-speaking individuals whose primary languages are Korean, Chinese, and Spanish to test the respective translations for use among immigrants to the United States. Method: Surveys are completed by an older adult and a nominated adult family caregiver (N = 132). Results: Adequate internal consistency and validity are found for Chinese and Spanish with the exception of the Social Functioning (Spanish) and Vitality (Chinese) Scales. The Korean version has reliability and validity issues. Comparisons are made with English language norms and studies that use translations in Spanish and Chinese. No comparative data for Korean Americans are found. Recommendations are made for reading reports of and using SF-36 translations. Conclusion: Paying attention to options in use of translations of the SF-36 in Chinese and Spanish improves the relevance of findings to research and practice.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)55-65
Number of pages11
JournalResearch on Social Work Practice
Volume18
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Chinese
  • Cultural competence
  • Health-related quality of life
  • Korean
  • Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36)
  • Spanish older adults

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • Sociology and Political Science
  • General Psychology

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