Use of the SF-36 in the evaluation of a drug detoxification program

The aim of this study was to analyse whether the SF-36 questionnaire is a useful tool to evaluate the treatment outcome of a drug detoxification program.

A pre post assessment of consecutive referrals to a drug detoxification program of a psychiatric state hospital in north-western Germany was conducted. Seventy-nine males and twenty-one females with a diagnosis of multiple substance use were included. MOS short form 36 (SF-36) was used upon admission and discharge to assess changes in self-perceived health status. Severity scales from the addiction severity interview (ASI) were used to rate severity of illness by a physician at program entry.

Patients with severe comorbidity (hepatitis B, depression, attempted suicide) reported significant worse health states, compared to those without. Positive correlations between physician rated addiction severity and patients' self-perceived health status were observed, most strongly for mental health status. For the 48 patients with 2 assessments significant improvements during the treatment period were observed on SF-36 subscales 'general health' and 'physical functioning'. Patients with severe physical and/or mental problems upon admission had more benefits from treatment than patients without.

SF-36 questionnaire is a useful instrument to monitor the health status and to evaluate treatment effects in drug addicts.