A Review of the Short Form Health Survey-Version 2

J Nurs Meas. 2019 Apr 1;27(1):77-86. doi: 10.1891/1061-3749.27.1.77.

Abstract

Background and purpose: The Short Form Health Survey version 2 (SF-12v2) is a commonly used measure of health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The purpose of this study was to review research articles that used the SF-12v2 survey for three age groups: adolescents, young to middle-aged adults, and middle to older-aged adults.

Methods: EBSCO, CINAHL, and Ovid Journal databases were searched, and 12 articles were identified.

Results: We found that the SF-12v2 was used with diverse age groups. Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranged from 0.60 to 0.87, which support the internal consistency and reliability. The convergent validity of the SF-12v2 was supported in some studies.

Conclusions: The current line of evidence indicated that the SF-12v2 is easy to use, reliable, and valid. Future research needs to evaluate the population health status and HRQOL changes over time.

Keywords: SF-12v2; quality of life; reliability; validity.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living / psychology*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Health Status*
  • Health Surveys / standards*
  • Health Surveys / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychometrics / standards*
  • Quality of Life / psychology*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Young Adult