Validity and reliability of Short Form General Health Survey (SF-20) in population of elderly people
Brzyski, P.; Knurowski, T.; Tobiasz-Adamczyk, B.
Przeglad Epidemiologiczny 57(4): 693-702
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0033-2100 PMID: 15029845 Document Number: 559626
Aim of this study was assessing validity and reliability of Short Form General Health Survey (SF-20) and it's usefulness in evaluation of health status of elderly people in Polish conditions. Study group consisted of 529 randomly chosen elderly (household residents) living in Krakow. Theoretical validity of the test was evaluated using exploratory factor analysis (principal components method). Reliability was calculated by Cronbach's alpha index and by checking if questions forming each sub scale fulfill Kline's criterion. Analysis showed some faults in theoretical validity of scales concerning mental and physical health, which decrease their reliability. Nevertheless, scales constituting this Survey fulfill Kline's and Nunnaly's criterias, which means that they have high internal consistency. Results confirm satisfactory value of SF-20 test as an instrument for evaluation of health of elderly people in Polish conditions.