Population norm of Chinese (HK) SF-12 health survey-version 2 of Chinese adults in Hong Kong

Abstract

Objective: To establish the normative values of the SF-12 Health Survey-Version 2 (SF-12v2) for the Chinese adult population in Hong Kong (HK) and to determine factors associated with variations in scores. Design: Two cross-sectional telephone surveys with the Chinese (HK) SF-12 Health survey and a structured questionnaire in 2008 and 2009. Subjects: 2533 Chinese adults aged ≥18 years randomly selected from the general population in Hong Kong. Main outcome measures: Mean SF-12v2 domain scale and summary scores were calculated and population age-sex adjusted SF-12v2 norms were established. The effect of sociodemographic and morbidity factors on SF-12v2 scores, and the effect of SF-12v2 scores on service utilization rates were determined by multivariate regressions. Results: Mean SF-12v2 scores of subjects were significantly lower than the 1998 norm in all but the general health and vitality domains. Being female and the presence of chronic or acute illness were associated with worse SF-12v2 scores, but higher education level or being married were associated with better SF-12v2 scores. SF-12v2 scores were independent determinants of outpatient consultations and Accident and Emergency visits. Conclusion: The Chinese (HK) SF-12v2 data can now be interpreted more meaningfully with reference to the general population norms. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) should be taken into account in the estimation of outpatient health service needs.