Author:

Ann Bowling

Publisher:

Open University Press

Publication Date:

1997

Edition:

Second

Binding:

Paperback

Category:

Non-disease-specific > Quality of life

Description:

This book is an introductory text for those first embarking to explore the concepts of measurement of reductions in health.

Types of Information or Instruments:

The book is organized around seven chapters. The first chapter gives a discussion of the different types of constructs that have been explored to assess reduction in health from morbidity and mortality measures to functional status and quality of life. The second chapter is devoted to an overview of measurement concepts. Though most important topics are addressed, each discussion is brief. The remaining five chapters are organized around specific scales within specific topical areas, which are 1) The Measurement of Functional Ability, 2) Broader Measures of Health Status, 3) Measures of Psychological Well-being, 4) Measuring Social Networks and Social Support, and 5) Measures of Life Satisfaction and Morale. For each scale a brief history of its development is provided followed by a section on its content, scoring validity and reliability.

Quantity of Instruments:

Each of the chapters listed above discusses the best-known scales in the relevant area. The chapters contain from 10-15 instruments.

Quality of Instrument Descriptions:

Few of the instruments are actually provided. Nevertheless, complete information is given on how to obtain the instrument. Details regarding the history of the development of the instrument, limitations of the instrument, and a discussion of studies that have previously employed the instrument are given. Thorough information is presented, but this reviewer believes that the author does not give as much attention to evaluation of this information, as that would be of value to the beginner, for whom this text is intended.

Quality of Psychometric Information:

This data is presented and the articles clearly referenced. However, as above, little evaluative information is provided.

Scale Accessibility:

Most scales are not provided, though how to access the scales is clearly presented.

Book Provides Actual Scale Items:

Yes.

User-friendly Navigation:

The book is easy to follow. It is appropriate for beginners in quality of life research.

Other Types of Information:

None.

Hints:

None.