The Validation of a Function Status Index

Abstract

A proposed measure of health status (Function Status Index) is based on a conception more specific than one that equates health with quality of life but is still relevant to theoreticalframeworks that view health in terms of its social behavioral aspects and its relationship to social and cultural variables. Three dimensions offunction status (activity, mobility, and movement) are measured objectively by an interview schedule administered to 2,629 persons in two Northern Alabama counties. Content, criterion, and construct validity are assessed. Evidence is sufficiently strong to recommend use of the index to test hypotheses about socialfunctioning and to evaluate the effectiveness of different health-care delivery systems.