The reliability and validity of the SF-8 with a conflict-affected population in northern Uganda
2008

Testing the SF-8 Health Survey in Northern Uganda

Sample size: 1206 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Roberts Bayard, Browne John, Ocaka Kaducu Felix, Oyok Thomas, Sondorp Egbert

Primary Institution: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Hypothesis

The study aimed to test the validity and reliability of the SF-8 with a conflict-affected population in northern Uganda.

Conclusion

The study provides evidence on the reliability and validity of the SF-8 amongst internally displaced persons in northern Uganda.

Supporting Evidence

  • The SF-8 showed excellent data quality with only 0.3% of respondents answering less than half of the items.
  • Test-retest reliability results showed a good agreement with ICC of 0.61 for PCS and 0.68 for MCS.
  • Principal component analysis indicated strong construct validity for the SF-8.

Takeaway

The SF-8 is a quick survey that helps understand how people feel about their health, especially in places affected by conflict.

Methodology

A cross-sectional multi-staged, random cluster survey was conducted with 1206 adults in camps for internally displaced persons.

Limitations

The HTQ and HSCL-25 used for validity tests have not been validated in northern Uganda, and the study did not assess the responsiveness of the instrument over time.

Participant Demographics

60% of respondents were women, mean age was 35 years, and 91% were from the Acholi tribe.

Statistical Information

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1477-7525-6-108

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