 |
The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
|
The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Celia Larson, PhD1, Christina Mushi, MPH1, David G. Schlundt, PhD2, Stephania Miller, PhD3, Linda McClellan, MS4, and Nasar U. Ahmed, PhD5. (1) Division of Research and Evaluation, Metropolitan Nashville Davidson County Health Department, 311 23rd Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37203, 615-340-2129, Celia.Larson@mhd.org, (2) Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, 301 Wilson Hall, Nashville, TN 37203, (3) Diabetes Research and Training Center, Vanderbilt University, 315 Medical Arts, 1211 21st Ave. South, Nashville, TN 37212, (4) Project REACH 2010, Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Care Center, 1501 Herman Street, Nashville, TN 37208, (5) Clinical Research Center, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Campus Box A4, 1005 D.B. Todd Blvd., Nashville, TN 37208
Few research studies have examined the validity of the SF-12 for use among minority populations. The objective of the study was to evaluate the SF-12 physical (PCS12) and mental (MCS12) health summary scores for measuring the functional health status of low income African Americans. A random sample of 1,570 African-Americans living in the North Nashville area was administered a telephone survey that included the SF-12. Construct validity was assessed by the method of extreme groups where multivariate analysis of variance determined if SF-12 summary scores varied for individuals who differed in self-reported medical conditions. Predictive validity was assessed by regressing measures of physical and mental health status on MCS12 and PCS12 scores, and convergent validity was assessed by correlating SF-12 summary scores with the sub-scales. Significant differences were found in PCS12 and MCS12 scores between those who reported medical conditions and those who did not. Other measures of physical and mental health status revealed substantial and significant (p < 0.01) standardized beta weights when regressed on the matched corresponding summary score. In addition, the summary scores and sub-scales yielded satisfactory convergent validity coefficients that ranged from 0.72 to 0.85 with one exception. The SF-12 appears to be a valid outcome indicator for assessing and monitoring health status among low income African-Americans. Its strengths include brevity and availability of norms for specific medical conditions.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: African American, Outcomes Research
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.