ABSTRACT
Objective: To study the reliability, validity and feasibility of SF-36 Health Survey Scales in elderly living in rural area around Shenzhen of south China. Method: 666 old people aged 60 or above were assessed with SF-36. Split-half reliability, internal consistency, criterion-related validity, discriminant validity and construct validity of the scale were tested. Result: All Cronbach alpha coefficients were 0.8 or above in eight subscales. The internal consistency was good. The split-half reliability of every subscale was preferable and Person correlation coefficients were 0.7 or higher, except that of Mental Health. Good discriminant validity and criterion related validity were obtained. Factor analysis showed two factors, which could account for 63% of total variance. Every subscale held moderate loading in its relevant facto, except that of Role-Emotion.Conclusion:SF-36 was applicable for life quality assessment in country-dwelling elderly population after some item revisions.