Journal of Psychosomatic Research
Volume 59, Issue 3 , Pages 131-138, September 2005

The factor structure of the SF-36 in early pregnancy

  • Julie Jomeen

      Affiliations

    • Institute of Health Sciences and Public Health Research, University of Leeds, UK
    • ,
  • Colin R. Martin

      Affiliations

    • Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, Peoples Republic of China
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Faculty of Medicine, The Nethersole School of Nursing, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Esther Lee Building, Chung Chi College, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, Peoples Republic of China. Tel.: +852 2609 8172; fax: +852 2603 5269.

Received 13 July 2004; accepted 10 February 2005.

Abstract 

Objective

The concept of Quality of Life (QoL) has emerged as an important psychological dimension within pregnancy. The current study sought to establish the psychometric properties of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) Version 2 in early pregnancy to evaluate the clinical appropriateness of using this measure with women in early pregnancy.

Methods

Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on self-report SF-36 data from 129 women during early pregnancy. Measures of anxiety and depression were also administered to determine the impact of psychiatric case classification on SF-36 subscale scores in this clinical group.

Results

The underlying factor structure of the SF-36 comprised a general third-order superordinate domain of health and two second-order factors of physical health and mental health. The SF-36 subscales were observed to be sensitive to the affective status of participants.

Conclusion

The use of the SF-36 in early pregnancy as a clinical research tool comprising eight subscales is recommended. The relative merits of scoring the instrument as a two-subscale measure of physical health and mental health require further evaluation.

Keywords: SF-36, Pregnancy, Depression, Anxiety

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PII: S0022-3999(05)00090-5

doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2005.02.018

Journal of Psychosomatic Research
Volume 59, Issue 3 , Pages 131-138, September 2005

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