Health-related quality of life compared to life situation and incontinence in adults with myelomeningocele: is SF-36 a reliable tool?
AIM
To evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults with myelomeningocele (MMC) measured by SF-36.


MATERIALS AND METHODS
All individuals (134) with MMC from western Sweden born before 1981, 69 with a median age of 34 years (range 27-50), participated in a telephone interview. Of these, 61 took part in SF-36 (short form 36 health questionnaire survey).


RESULTS
The group overall had significant impairment of physical functioning (PF)***, role physical (RP)***, general health GH*** as well as a lower physical component summary (PCS)*** compared to the reference group, while the mental component summary (MCS) was significantly higher***. The comparison between life situation and PCS was favorable for individuals 20-29 years of age or employed. In individuals exhibiting dysphoria during the interview, PCS was negatively affected, however MCS was unaffected. MCS was higher in non-ambulatory individuals* and in those not able to name a negative life experience* (* < 0.05, ** < 0.001, *** < 0.0001). HRQoL as evaluated by SF-36 was unaffected by fecal incontinence, partnership and offspring.


CONCLUSION
Our findings indicate that life situation and incontinence were not truly reflected by SF-36. A personal interview with a qualitative approach is likely to be a better tool.