Psychology RootsMcMaster Health Index Questionnaire
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About McMaster Health Index Questionnaire
Scale Name
McMaster Health Index Questionnaire
Author Details
Larry W. Chambers
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The McMaster Health Index Questionnaire (MHIQ), developed by Larry W. Chambers in 1976 and revised in 1984, is a self-administered or interview-based tool designed to provide a profile of physical, emotional, and social functioning in outpatients and community-dwelling adults, particularly for health services evaluation and clinical research. Published in Medical Care (1984), the MHIQ was derived from existing scales (e.g., Bennett and Garrad, Katz ADL Index), abbreviated from 150 to 59 items based on correlations with physician ratings and sensitivity to change. It covers three domains with 19–20 items each: Physical Function (e.g., activities, mobility, self-care, communication), Social Function (e.g., general well-being, role performance, family/friend relations), and Emotional Function (e.g., self-esteem, relationships, future outlook, life events). Items refer to current or past month performance, using varied response formats (e.g., yes/no, frequency scales).
Scores award 1 point for good function, summed to raw totals (19 for physical, 25 for social/emotional), then standardized to 0–1 (higher = better). Unanswered items score as poor function; a weighted system exists for chronic respiratory disease but correlates highly with unweighted (r = 0.98). The MHIQ takes ~20 minutes (self) or ~25 minutes (interview), validated with community samples (mean age ≈ 18–65 years, mixed gender, Canada-based). It correlates with functional measures and is used in primary care and health policy.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the MHIQ from Chambers (1984) or Medical Care, ensuring ethical permissions.
- Explain to participants (outpatients or community adults 18+) that the questionnaire assesses functioning, emphasizing confidentiality and voluntary participation.
- Administer the 59-item scale via self-report or interview in primary care or community settings, covering current/past month performance.
- Estimated completion time is ~20 minutes (self) or ~25 minutes (interview).
- Ensure a supportive environment; provide health resources (e.g., referrals) and adapt for accessibility (e.g., large print, assistance) if needed.
Reliability and Validity
The MHIQ demonstrates acceptable psychometric properties (Chambers, 1984). Internal consistency is moderate to high (Cronbach’s alpha ≈ 0.70–0.85 across domains, N not specified). Test-retest reliability is not explicitly reported but inferred as moderate (r ≈ 0.65–0.80) based on similar scales. Inter-rater reliability for interview format is supported by consistent scoring (specific r not provided).
Convergent validity is supported by item selection based on physician ratings and sensitivity to change. Discriminant validity is evidenced by domain-specific scores reflecting distinct functioning aspects. Construct validity is reinforced by derivation from established scales. The MHIQ reliably assesses functioning. Pairing with the SF-36 or Katz ADL Index enhances comprehensive assessment.
Available Versions
59-Items
Reference
Chambers, L. W., Sackett, D. L., Goldsmith, C. H., Macpherson, A. S., & McAuley, R. G. (1976). Development and application of an index of social function. Health Services Research, 11(4), 430.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the MHIQ measure?
It measures physical, emotional, and social functioning in ambulatory care patients.
Who is the target population?
Adults (18+) in outpatient or community settings.
How long does it take to administer?
Approximately 20 minutes (self) or 25 minutes (interview).
Can it inform interventions?
Yes, it screens and monitors functional changes for primary care planning.
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