Predictive Value of SF–36 for MS–Specific Scales of the MS Quality of Life Inventory

Background: The MS Quality of Life Index (MSQLI) is a modular health-related quality of life instrument consisting of the Health Status Questionnaire (SF-36) and nine MS-specific measures. The purpose of this study is to assess whether adding all the proposed MS-specific measures to the SF-36 is necessary to obtain a more comprehensive measurement of quality of life in MS.

Method: Eighty-eight persons with multiple sclerosis, 42 men and 46 women, with an average age of 52.5 ± 11 years, completed the MSQLI questionnaires. The predictive value of SF-36 items to MS-specific scales was low to moderate, with r²-values ranging between 0.02 and 0.57. The accuracy of the predictive models was not sufficient enough to replace the MS-specific scales with the SF-36 items.

Conclusion: Adding scales to the SF-36 may be valuable to obtain a more comprehensive view on the quality of life of people with MS. (Int J MS Care. 2003; 5: 8–14)