Health-Related Quality of Life in Canadian Adolescents and Young Adults: Normative Data Using the SF-36 (QUANTITATIVE Research) (Report‪)‬

The Medical Outcomes Trust 36-item health survey (SF-36) (1,2) is widely used to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL). However, Canadian normative data exist only for adults over 25 years, (3) leaving those who work with younger populations to infer either from Canadians over age 25 or from youth norms from other countries. Neither is ideal, as there is mounting evidence that younger respondents differ from older age groups. (1,2,4) For example, while younger subjects may generally be in better physical health, those under 25 are more likely than older groups to be struggling with major decisions about relationships and career choices, which can negatively affect HRQOL. Normative data from the US and Sweden exist for younger age groups, (1,2,4) but the differences between countries can affect the validity of using these norms for Canadian research. (3,4) HRQOL research has historically focused extensively on older adults to the exclusion of young adults. (5) The need for normative data is underscored by the fact that population surveys of youth generally focus on aspects of poor health, behavioural problems or risk-taking behaviours and do not reflect the HRQOL of the majority. (5,6) It is important to have normative data for the appropriate age and gender group if HRQOL is to be examined in adolescents and young adults.