Abstract
Methods
Data were derived from a large cohort study among employees of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand. In 2008 and
2009, 4,850 participants completed the Thai EQ-5D and Short-Form 36 version 2 (SF-36v2). Thai preferences weights were used
to convert EQ-5D health states into EQ-5D index scores. Construct validity of the Thai EQ-5D was examined by specifying and
testing hypotheses about the relationships between the EQ-5D, SF-36v2, and participants’ demographic and medical characteristics.
2009, 4,850 participants completed the Thai EQ-5D and Short-Form 36 version 2 (SF-36v2). Thai preferences weights were used
to convert EQ-5D health states into EQ-5D index scores. Construct validity of the Thai EQ-5D was examined by specifying and
testing hypotheses about the relationships between the EQ-5D, SF-36v2, and participants’ demographic and medical characteristics.
Results
Construct validity of the Thai EQ-5D was supported by expected relationships with SF-36v2 scale and summary scores. For example,
SF-36v2 scores on the mental health scale were much lower for participants who reported having problems on the EQ-5D anxiety/depression
dimension compared to those reporting no problems (mean norm-based SF-36v2 scores: 52.9 vs. 41.8, p < 0.001). Additionally, reporting a problem in a given EQ-5D dimension was generally associated with lower SF-36v2 summary
scores. The EQ-5D index score distinguished between groups of participants in the expected manner, on the basis of sex, age,
education and self-reported health, thus providing evidence of known-groups validity.
SF-36v2 scores on the mental health scale were much lower for participants who reported having problems on the EQ-5D anxiety/depression
dimension compared to those reporting no problems (mean norm-based SF-36v2 scores: 52.9 vs. 41.8, p < 0.001). Additionally, reporting a problem in a given EQ-5D dimension was generally associated with lower SF-36v2 summary
scores. The EQ-5D index score distinguished between groups of participants in the expected manner, on the basis of sex, age,
education and self-reported health, thus providing evidence of known-groups validity.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Brief Communication
- Pages 1-8
- DOI 10.1007/s11136-012-0251-2
- Authors
- Merel Kimman, The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia
- Prin Vathesatogkit, The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia
- Mark Woodward, The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia
- E-Shyong Tai, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Julian Thumboo, Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Sukit Yamwong, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Wipa Ratanachaiwong, Medical and Health Office, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, Nonthaburi, Thailand
- Hwee-Lin Wee, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Piyamitr Sritara, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Journal Quality of Life Research
- Online ISSN 1573-2649
- Print ISSN 0962-9343