Last update:
16-Sep-2004

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this paper is to summarise the population-based health status scores of adult Albertans on the SF-12 physical (PCS-12) and mental (MCS-12) component summary scales.

METHOD Data was collected via a survey instrument mailed to 4,200 subjects in Alberta. The instrument contained the EuroQol (EQ-5D) and SF-12 health surveys, with additional questions eliciting clinical and demographic information from the respondents. PCS-12 and MCS-12 scores were calculated and summarised by demographic and clinical characteristics of the respondents.

RESULTS Completed questionnaires were returned by 1,555 respondents; 600 questionnaires were returned undeliverable giving an overall, usable response rate of 43%. Due to missing data for items, SF-12 summary scores were calculated for 1,380 respondents. Analysis of the SF-12 composite scores by demographic variables showed significant differences among categories of age, gender, marital status, main activity/employment, education and income level. Significant differences were found between the composite scores of respondents with no medical conditions when compared to those who reported one or more chronic medical conditions.

CONCLUSIONS The Alberta-based MCS-12 and PCS-12 scores reflected a similar trend for gender and age as the general US population, with males scoring slightly higher than females on both composite summaries, and both composite scores decreased with increasing age.

Key words: Ηealth-related quality of life, Population health, SF-12.